I headed out for a run at 5.30am. I ran from my place to Urunga Cemetery hill. Then I ran up and down the hill 3 times (I was aiming for 4 times but had to meet other runners at the soccer field at 6am), I met the other runners and ran with them for 45 minutes, then continued on my own. I ran for almost 2 hours (1:56:51 to be exact) and ran a total of 18.18km. The longest time and distance I have run this year since starting in July. And to total it all up, I have run a total of 770.2km since July. Not bad for someone who hated running!
I had hydrated with Endura prior to my run, and had Endura during my run and had some after my run but because it has been so humid, it really takes ages to not feel thirsty after a long run. And I had sore legs from yesterday's bootcamp session - no one to blame but myself. So it took a while to get active again and take Miss A down the park - yep the trend continues!
We ran into some of her school friends on the way back and they invited her over after lunch - yay a few hours of couple time for me and hubby. We don't get much time together alone, so we made the most of it by watching trashy tv - as you do!
I did a short walk this afternoon but honestly I am stuffed! The run really took it out of me and now I'm afraid that I over did it before my fun run tomorrow. The run tomorrow is only 5.25km (I should never put only in front of a run because it depends on the terrain, temperature and many other things as to how hard or easy a run is - I've never had a easy run). But there is a big hill at the beginning and I have no idea where we are to park or where I am to go once we get there, having never done this run before and never spoken to anyone who has done this run about it before. So it's all a bit unknown.
The other worrying thing for me is it doesn't start till 9am. I am used to running on an empty stomach so I'm not sure what to eat when I get up. I am also used to running in the early morning, so running at 9am in summer is sure to be hot. So I am a little anxious but it will be good prep for my half marathon in Port Macquarie in March.
I will be retiring early tonight due to my run tomorrow and my exhaustion from my run today so no seeing in the New Year for me. I hope those that are seeing in the New Year have a great time!
I will report on the run tomorrow and the start of Run Down Under!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Monday, December 30, 2013
On the sixth day of Christmas....
A shortnpost tonight as I'm watching the tennis.
I started the day with amature bootcamp, after awaking from an awful dream where I was running late and couldn't find my gear etc. I've been having running late dreams a lot since being on holidays. Not sure where that is coming from.
Miss A had a friend over so we went to the park. Then I did some marking (my other job) and finished the day with a walk.
Now I'm watching the tennis. Gee my holidays are not very exciting, are they?
I am avoiding going anywhere due to the horrendous traffic and I'm tossing up if I buy a Garmin GPS running watch or new shoes or both. The problem being is that they are wants not needs. So I'll keep having an internal debate.
Counting down to the start of Run Down Under and my first fun run of 2014 at Sawtell on Wednesday. Maybe I'll stop having "running late" dreams after that.
I started the day with amature bootcamp, after awaking from an awful dream where I was running late and couldn't find my gear etc. I've been having running late dreams a lot since being on holidays. Not sure where that is coming from.
Miss A had a friend over so we went to the park. Then I did some marking (my other job) and finished the day with a walk.
Now I'm watching the tennis. Gee my holidays are not very exciting, are they?
I am avoiding going anywhere due to the horrendous traffic and I'm tossing up if I buy a Garmin GPS running watch or new shoes or both. The problem being is that they are wants not needs. So I'll keep having an internal debate.
Counting down to the start of Run Down Under and my first fun run of 2014 at Sawtell on Wednesday. Maybe I'll stop having "running late" dreams after that.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
On the fifth day of Christmas....
I had a rest day so no running or bootcamp. I slept in till 8am, well it was actually 7am but I spent an hour lying there trying to ignore the fact I was busting for the toilet. After breakfast I took Miss A to the park that had been taken over by a particular group of holiday makers that I will discuss further later in the post. We then headed down to the beach for a splash and made it just before the Southerly change came through and started blowing sand and causing exfoliation where we didn't need it. An afternoon walk finished off the day and I settled back to watch Ghost Adventurers with hubby.
Now back to the "particular group of holiday makers" that come to our town every year and basically take over. There are about 20 tents of them including 2 large army sized tents. When we got to the park they had set up their equipment including face painting benches, coffee making machines, bbq's, blow up water slides, plastic water slides (the one that go on hills), and various other activities. They also had two big speakers blaring out loud music.
I come to the park to allow Miss A to play and for me to enjoy the peace (it's not always quiet) of nature and to observe the people enjoying the sun, water and boardwalk. Not to have to sit in a park and listen to music so loud that if there was someone to talk to, I wouldn't be able to hear them properly.
I also had an issue with the fact that we are on water restrictions and this group was using the water consistently to run their water slides.
Ok, so they do offer some free activities for kids and they can be a lot of fun. But I don't understand how they can get away with using water like that under water restrictions and playing loud music. If I was to do that, I would be reported and the camping ground managers would put a stop to it straight away. So how do they get away with it? Is it because they invest a lot of money into the town while they are here? Is it because they offer free activities?
Now I sound like I'm whinging but I am really only concerned about the use of water and the loud music. The offering of free activities and fun stuff for kids is great. The investment of money into the town - although I would argue that they most likely bring a lot of their food with them due to the sheer numbers of them and the whole set up of their camp.
While it is wonderful living in a tourist destination, sometimes the tourist side of things can be a little annoying!
I will now hop of my soap box and continue to enjoy my night!
How did you spend the 5th day of Christmas?
Now back to the "particular group of holiday makers" that come to our town every year and basically take over. There are about 20 tents of them including 2 large army sized tents. When we got to the park they had set up their equipment including face painting benches, coffee making machines, bbq's, blow up water slides, plastic water slides (the one that go on hills), and various other activities. They also had two big speakers blaring out loud music.
I come to the park to allow Miss A to play and for me to enjoy the peace (it's not always quiet) of nature and to observe the people enjoying the sun, water and boardwalk. Not to have to sit in a park and listen to music so loud that if there was someone to talk to, I wouldn't be able to hear them properly.
I also had an issue with the fact that we are on water restrictions and this group was using the water consistently to run their water slides.
Ok, so they do offer some free activities for kids and they can be a lot of fun. But I don't understand how they can get away with using water like that under water restrictions and playing loud music. If I was to do that, I would be reported and the camping ground managers would put a stop to it straight away. So how do they get away with it? Is it because they invest a lot of money into the town while they are here? Is it because they offer free activities?
Now I sound like I'm whinging but I am really only concerned about the use of water and the loud music. The offering of free activities and fun stuff for kids is great. The investment of money into the town - although I would argue that they most likely bring a lot of their food with them due to the sheer numbers of them and the whole set up of their camp.
While it is wonderful living in a tourist destination, sometimes the tourist side of things can be a little annoying!
I will now hop of my soap box and continue to enjoy my night!
How did you spend the 5th day of Christmas?
Saturday, December 28, 2013
On the fourth day of Christmas....
I ran 14.66km; did the grocery shopping (I know, I know, I should be doing it online); went for a swim at the beach; and watched trashy TV (yep a trend is developing).
As part of my training for the half marathon I am doing in March 2014 at the Port Macquarie Running Festival, I am to do hill repeats. For non-runners, this means you run (with effort) up a hill, walk back down, turn around and run back up the hill, walk back down and so on until you fall over in a heap - well no I believe my training program does suggest doing this a certain number of times.
Through discussions with those that have trained before, the best hill to do this on in my area is the hill road leading to the Urunga Cemetery. Now those that you are my FB friends will note my post yesterday about my concerns of running this road on my own. I mentioned my fear of stray spirits/ghosts. Well, you will be happy to note that I ran this hill today and as soon as the headstones were in my line of sight, I quickly turned around and ran back down the hill. I had planned on doing the hill again but was just not quite ready. I noted that even the cicadas stop making noise the closer you get to the headstones - what's with that?!?!
Grocery shopping - the love/hate relationship I have with thee! A number of people have suggested to me that I convert to online shopping. Now I really need to see things on a shelf - not sure why but online shopping has not grabbed me. I need to see all the different brands/prices/specials lined up together in order to make a good purchase decision. So no online grocery shopping at this stage. Instead I braved the congested Pacific Hwy and hit the energy zapping shops. However, all was not lost as the checkout lady made my day by just happening to be free so I didn't even have to wait!! This never happens!!
Beach - how I love thee!! After lunch - well really it was around 3pm, we headed down to the beach for a swim. The beach we go to is just 5 minutes drive from home. We splashed around for a bit and then Miss A wanted to climb the dunes, which then turned into running up the dunes and down the dunes. Much to my husbands disgust, I mentioned that this is a good form of training for running. He muttered something under his breath about training and shook his head.
Trashy TV - yes you are trashy but I watch you anyway! We (ok my husband who can not say no) recently signed up for pay TV - this time with Foxtel. Last time it was with Austar. They are all the same to me. I was a bit peeved as it is not a luxury we can afford but he managed to get a good deal. We made some changes to our package yesterday and opted out of the movies and opted in for the documentaries and adventure. Now it's all Man vs Food and Dirty Jobs Down Under. Not to mention the Location, Location, Location Australia marathon I watched the other day. My husband is a night owl so he loves it. Especially shows like Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventurers - hence my fear of the Urunga Cemetery!
Tomorrow we are in for hot, hot, hot weather and apparently a day of interesting (there is a word the weather guy uses but it escapes me for now) weather. Apparently, North and South winds will meet and cause instability which may lead to storms - here's hoping!
What did you do on the fourth day of Christmas?
As part of my training for the half marathon I am doing in March 2014 at the Port Macquarie Running Festival, I am to do hill repeats. For non-runners, this means you run (with effort) up a hill, walk back down, turn around and run back up the hill, walk back down and so on until you fall over in a heap - well no I believe my training program does suggest doing this a certain number of times.
Through discussions with those that have trained before, the best hill to do this on in my area is the hill road leading to the Urunga Cemetery. Now those that you are my FB friends will note my post yesterday about my concerns of running this road on my own. I mentioned my fear of stray spirits/ghosts. Well, you will be happy to note that I ran this hill today and as soon as the headstones were in my line of sight, I quickly turned around and ran back down the hill. I had planned on doing the hill again but was just not quite ready. I noted that even the cicadas stop making noise the closer you get to the headstones - what's with that?!?!
Grocery shopping - the love/hate relationship I have with thee! A number of people have suggested to me that I convert to online shopping. Now I really need to see things on a shelf - not sure why but online shopping has not grabbed me. I need to see all the different brands/prices/specials lined up together in order to make a good purchase decision. So no online grocery shopping at this stage. Instead I braved the congested Pacific Hwy and hit the energy zapping shops. However, all was not lost as the checkout lady made my day by just happening to be free so I didn't even have to wait!! This never happens!!
Beach - how I love thee!! After lunch - well really it was around 3pm, we headed down to the beach for a swim. The beach we go to is just 5 minutes drive from home. We splashed around for a bit and then Miss A wanted to climb the dunes, which then turned into running up the dunes and down the dunes. Much to my husbands disgust, I mentioned that this is a good form of training for running. He muttered something under his breath about training and shook his head.
Trashy TV - yes you are trashy but I watch you anyway! We (ok my husband who can not say no) recently signed up for pay TV - this time with Foxtel. Last time it was with Austar. They are all the same to me. I was a bit peeved as it is not a luxury we can afford but he managed to get a good deal. We made some changes to our package yesterday and opted out of the movies and opted in for the documentaries and adventure. Now it's all Man vs Food and Dirty Jobs Down Under. Not to mention the Location, Location, Location Australia marathon I watched the other day. My husband is a night owl so he loves it. Especially shows like Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventurers - hence my fear of the Urunga Cemetery!
Tomorrow we are in for hot, hot, hot weather and apparently a day of interesting (there is a word the weather guy uses but it escapes me for now) weather. Apparently, North and South winds will meet and cause instability which may lead to storms - here's hoping!
What did you do on the fourth day of Christmas?
Friday, December 27, 2013
On the third day of Christmas....
I did amateur bootcamp with a fellow bootcamp attendee in the absence of our "real" bootcamp leader and learnt a bit of yoga in the process; did two loads of washing; took Miss A to the park (you see a trend here); watched some trashy TV; went for an afternoon walk and caught up with a friend; and am now typing this post.
A month ago, I attended the SWITCH Public Libraries NSW Metropolitan conference in Sydney. As usual, it was a very good conference with lots of interesting things shared and ideas gained.
The focus on the conference was community and partnerships. Thank you to Robert Leckie for capturing the tweets from the conference via storify.
There were two main things that I took back from the conference. The first was from Steve Coffman - Library Systems & Services, USA. Steven spoke about reinventing libraries. He mentioned that there are moves towards a bookless library but thought this was a bit pointless because if a person wants a book, they can now access it from home via Amazon and the likes. But he questions, if we move away from physical books, what makes us different?
Steven encourages a focus on printed books, as the leverage for clients. We should focus on books as it is our brand. As libraries try to reinvent we need to be aware of what makes us special, print books, the demand is still high. We need to celebrate what we do and what we are. Stop apologising for what we do. We should focus on discovery. If they can't find the book they need in the library we need to let them know there are other ways they can access it. We need to be good at readers advisory.
However, I am still interested in the journey of some libraries that have made the move to offering things like maker spaces, and as such, will be following Shewgirl's progress with her upcoming conference paper on maker spaces/hacker spaces.
For me, it all comes back to what your community wants/needs. But on the other hand, they may not know they want/need it until it is offered!!
The other thing that I took with me is something most of us are aware of - Achievement and success depends a lot on who you know. But Meredith Wallace from Rockdale City Council also had some great ideas of how libraries can get in the face of their council colleague and why it is important that we do so.
Look at your council plans and find the bits where you can use your skills and expertise can be used beyond your library. Be visible in your organisation beyond the walls of the library. Step outside of the stereotype. Go beyond offering a venue. Celebrate more than what's on the library calendar. Get on tender panels- shows consideration for hard financial issues faced by Council. Be seen within your organisation. Think what you can present to senior managers and Council. Persevere, look for angles.
So what ideas do you have for being visible in your organisation? I posted a bit about Embedded Librarianship back in #blogJune. And must admit that I haven't got any further. I'm open to ideas.
And finally, I have to share this wonderful and inspirational presentation by Paula Pfoeffer from City of Canterbury Libraries about what they have done working with the youth of Lakemba. Make sure you check out this clip.
What did you do on the third day of Christmas?
A month ago, I attended the SWITCH Public Libraries NSW Metropolitan conference in Sydney. As usual, it was a very good conference with lots of interesting things shared and ideas gained.
The focus on the conference was community and partnerships. Thank you to Robert Leckie for capturing the tweets from the conference via storify.
There were two main things that I took back from the conference. The first was from Steve Coffman - Library Systems & Services, USA. Steven spoke about reinventing libraries. He mentioned that there are moves towards a bookless library but thought this was a bit pointless because if a person wants a book, they can now access it from home via Amazon and the likes. But he questions, if we move away from physical books, what makes us different?
Steven encourages a focus on printed books, as the leverage for clients. We should focus on books as it is our brand. As libraries try to reinvent we need to be aware of what makes us special, print books, the demand is still high. We need to celebrate what we do and what we are. Stop apologising for what we do. We should focus on discovery. If they can't find the book they need in the library we need to let them know there are other ways they can access it. We need to be good at readers advisory.
However, I am still interested in the journey of some libraries that have made the move to offering things like maker spaces, and as such, will be following Shewgirl's progress with her upcoming conference paper on maker spaces/hacker spaces.
For me, it all comes back to what your community wants/needs. But on the other hand, they may not know they want/need it until it is offered!!
The other thing that I took with me is something most of us are aware of - Achievement and success depends a lot on who you know. But Meredith Wallace from Rockdale City Council also had some great ideas of how libraries can get in the face of their council colleague and why it is important that we do so.
Look at your council plans and find the bits where you can use your skills and expertise can be used beyond your library. Be visible in your organisation beyond the walls of the library. Step outside of the stereotype. Go beyond offering a venue. Celebrate more than what's on the library calendar. Get on tender panels- shows consideration for hard financial issues faced by Council. Be seen within your organisation. Think what you can present to senior managers and Council. Persevere, look for angles.
So what ideas do you have for being visible in your organisation? I posted a bit about Embedded Librarianship back in #blogJune. And must admit that I haven't got any further. I'm open to ideas.
And finally, I have to share this wonderful and inspirational presentation by Paula Pfoeffer from City of Canterbury Libraries about what they have done working with the youth of Lakemba. Make sure you check out this clip.
What did you do on the third day of Christmas?
Thursday, December 26, 2013
On the second day of Christmas....
I completed a 16.72km run (longest yet), solved a Furby Boom crisis when Miss A's Furby decided to take on a male voice with a distinctive English accent, watched most of the Location, Location, Location Australia marathon (it continues tonight), took Miss A to the park, went for a walk which turned into a run due to a incoming storm, and completed numerous laps of the hallway (plus push ups, squats and star jumps) to keep Miss A moving instead of becoming a square eyed computer nerd.
Back to the Furby Boom. Miss A got a Furby Boom from Santa. These creatures are quite amazing, especially coupled with the app that Miss A has installed on her/my tablet.
They apparently develop a personality based on how they are treated. I was a little confused as to why Miss A's decided to take a on English accented male this morning. It did a little crazy thing and yelled out "I'm changing" and boom there it is!! So Miss A was in tears begging me to get her Furby back to the cute baby voice - apparently Princess/Cute - original personality.
Thank goodness I'm a librarian and have research skills - actually all I did was a google search on Furby's changing voice and boom there it is!! Play some calming music and stroke your Furby to get it back to "nice." Problem solved!
Really I have to wonder, what did we do for entertainment as kids?!? Now they have these interactive toys that take on personalities!
Moving along... Miss A has been doing a lot of sit down activities since the holidays started - e.g. watching YouTube videos about Minecraft, playing Minecraft on both PC and tablet, and now playing with Furby. So as I have embarked on a fitness phase (ok I'm not going to think of it as a phase - it is permanent lifestyle change), I needed to set some rules. After finishing each activity, Miss A has to run up and down the hallway 5 times (up and back count as 1).
As I was watching so much TV, I thought I would join in and up the challenge each time by adding some extra exercises. We are now doing 5 laps of the hallway, 5 push ups, 5 squats and 5 star jumps). She is really enjoying it.
So what did you do on the second day of Christmas?
PS. I have a blog correction to make from my last post: Librarian in the Mirror is now posting as Rach Wray, and Polyxena and Shewgirl are also joining in the fun.
Back to the Furby Boom. Miss A got a Furby Boom from Santa. These creatures are quite amazing, especially coupled with the app that Miss A has installed on her/my tablet.
They apparently develop a personality based on how they are treated. I was a little confused as to why Miss A's decided to take a on English accented male this morning. It did a little crazy thing and yelled out "I'm changing" and boom there it is!! So Miss A was in tears begging me to get her Furby back to the cute baby voice - apparently Princess/Cute - original personality.
Thank goodness I'm a librarian and have research skills - actually all I did was a google search on Furby's changing voice and boom there it is!! Play some calming music and stroke your Furby to get it back to "nice." Problem solved!
Really I have to wonder, what did we do for entertainment as kids?!? Now they have these interactive toys that take on personalities!
Moving along... Miss A has been doing a lot of sit down activities since the holidays started - e.g. watching YouTube videos about Minecraft, playing Minecraft on both PC and tablet, and now playing with Furby. So as I have embarked on a fitness phase (ok I'm not going to think of it as a phase - it is permanent lifestyle change), I needed to set some rules. After finishing each activity, Miss A has to run up and down the hallway 5 times (up and back count as 1).
As I was watching so much TV, I thought I would join in and up the challenge each time by adding some extra exercises. We are now doing 5 laps of the hallway, 5 push ups, 5 squats and 5 star jumps). She is really enjoying it.
So what did you do on the second day of Christmas?
PS. I have a blog correction to make from my last post: Librarian in the Mirror is now posting as Rach Wray, and Polyxena and Shewgirl are also joining in the fun.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
On the first day of Christmas...
I watched Miss A unwrap her presents this morning, went for a walk along the beach, and relaxed watching trashy TV.
So here we are another year gone and back to #blog12daysxmas. For those that haven't been here before, the rules are you have to do a blog post for 12 days from Christmas. There are a few fellow #blog12daysxmas participants including Bun-toting Librarian and Librarian in the Mirror. I'm sure there will be more and I'll post them on my posts as I come across them.
You can write a post about anything really. Mine usually sway between librarianship and semi-personal things. But this time it will most likely focus a fair bit on running and fitness - just because I'm in the phase at the moment.
Reflecting on the past year (and I'll probably do more of this in a New Year's Day post), the big things that stand out for me are:
So what have been your big achievements for this year?
It would be good if a few new faces joined in #blog12daysxmas. Don't be shy - join in the fun! There may even be blog challenges along the way!! Bun-toting librarian often does a musical challenge. And then there are the blog meme's that help on those days where you are suffering writers block.
So here we are another year gone and back to #blog12daysxmas. For those that haven't been here before, the rules are you have to do a blog post for 12 days from Christmas. There are a few fellow #blog12daysxmas participants including Bun-toting Librarian and Librarian in the Mirror. I'm sure there will be more and I'll post them on my posts as I come across them.
You can write a post about anything really. Mine usually sway between librarianship and semi-personal things. But this time it will most likely focus a fair bit on running and fitness - just because I'm in the phase at the moment.
Reflecting on the past year (and I'll probably do more of this in a New Year's Day post), the big things that stand out for me are:
- starting bootcamp
- losing over 10kg
- running two 10km fun runs
So what have been your big achievements for this year?
It would be good if a few new faces joined in #blog12daysxmas. Don't be shy - join in the fun! There may even be blog challenges along the way!! Bun-toting librarian often does a musical challenge. And then there are the blog meme's that help on those days where you are suffering writers block.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
The Woman in the Mirror
Since February this year I have lost 10kg. February saw me join the local women's boot camp and amp up my exercising. June saw me take up running and I haven't looked back.
I've wrote about this before, but I have been exercising a lot during my life.
During school I was not so much a keen exerciser. I was plump and was not fast and not really "good" at any form of sport. I was good at cricket and often think I could've gone somewhere in that sport had I been born in a different era. Girls playing cricket was not something that was supported in my day.
It wasn't until my last two years of school that I became interested in exercising. Unfortunately, that interest became an obsession and I spent 2 years battling an unhealthy food/exercise obsession. It almost took over my life with counting calories and burning them off through exercise. It was not a good time of my life.
Moving on, I took a job in Emerald Central Qld and while the obsession never left me totally, it eased up as no one knew me as the chubby girl. I reinvented myself in a way. I got involved in the local gym and eventually became an aerobics instructor. Exercise became an obsession again, but I was still fueling myself with enough food. So it wasn't as unhealthy as the last time.
Once I met my husband, the obsession lessened - I still had to do something, e.g. walk everyday but it wasn't the be all and end all.
It's a funny thing, this relationship I have with food and exercise, and I really was trying to find ways to explain it when I came across this article in an issue of Runner's World.
Peter Sagal's article, A Thin Line, sums up my journey spot on. And like Peter, my battle with the fat girl in the mirror, continues and possibly will all my life. I'm not sure how to overcome it. I know I'm certainly not like the girl who battled the food/exercise obsession during my late teens - but the line is always there. It's just a matter of the battle not to cross it.
For my daughter's sake, I work hard at presenting exercise in a positive way, without the attachment to fat and thin. I attach it to being healthy. I work on my self esteem so that I be a good role model for her. What makes it hard is the media and our own expectations of accepting people based on appearance.
Food should not be about being good (eating healthy) and bad (having a piece of cake) - it should be about energy to do what we need to do. Funnily enough, I think women are our own worst enemies. How many times have you had your friend say to you - oh you're being good - when they see you eat some fruit. Or - be a bit naughty and have some cake.
In my head, I say let's move on from this. In reality, it's bloody hard to.
I'm sure I'm not alone with this story, just as I found Peter's own story so much like my own. I'm sure there are other's who read my blog who will resonate with Peter's story and mine.
Peter sums up the way I feel at the end of his article, "I run now for a lot of reasons, for fitness and for times and for friendship and for the sheer pleasure of motion. But deep inside I know I'm also running because with every step, I'm leaving Plumpkin further behind. And I'm afraid if I ever stopped, he'd catch me, and consume me in his unending appetite, and I'd have to look back into the mirror from behind his frightened eyes."
I've wrote about this before, but I have been exercising a lot during my life.
During school I was not so much a keen exerciser. I was plump and was not fast and not really "good" at any form of sport. I was good at cricket and often think I could've gone somewhere in that sport had I been born in a different era. Girls playing cricket was not something that was supported in my day.
It wasn't until my last two years of school that I became interested in exercising. Unfortunately, that interest became an obsession and I spent 2 years battling an unhealthy food/exercise obsession. It almost took over my life with counting calories and burning them off through exercise. It was not a good time of my life.
Moving on, I took a job in Emerald Central Qld and while the obsession never left me totally, it eased up as no one knew me as the chubby girl. I reinvented myself in a way. I got involved in the local gym and eventually became an aerobics instructor. Exercise became an obsession again, but I was still fueling myself with enough food. So it wasn't as unhealthy as the last time.
Once I met my husband, the obsession lessened - I still had to do something, e.g. walk everyday but it wasn't the be all and end all.
It's a funny thing, this relationship I have with food and exercise, and I really was trying to find ways to explain it when I came across this article in an issue of Runner's World.
Peter Sagal's article, A Thin Line, sums up my journey spot on. And like Peter, my battle with the fat girl in the mirror, continues and possibly will all my life. I'm not sure how to overcome it. I know I'm certainly not like the girl who battled the food/exercise obsession during my late teens - but the line is always there. It's just a matter of the battle not to cross it.
For my daughter's sake, I work hard at presenting exercise in a positive way, without the attachment to fat and thin. I attach it to being healthy. I work on my self esteem so that I be a good role model for her. What makes it hard is the media and our own expectations of accepting people based on appearance.
Food should not be about being good (eating healthy) and bad (having a piece of cake) - it should be about energy to do what we need to do. Funnily enough, I think women are our own worst enemies. How many times have you had your friend say to you - oh you're being good - when they see you eat some fruit. Or - be a bit naughty and have some cake.
In my head, I say let's move on from this. In reality, it's bloody hard to.
I'm sure I'm not alone with this story, just as I found Peter's own story so much like my own. I'm sure there are other's who read my blog who will resonate with Peter's story and mine.
Peter sums up the way I feel at the end of his article, "I run now for a lot of reasons, for fitness and for times and for friendship and for the sheer pleasure of motion. But deep inside I know I'm also running because with every step, I'm leaving Plumpkin further behind. And I'm afraid if I ever stopped, he'd catch me, and consume me in his unending appetite, and I'd have to look back into the mirror from behind his frightened eyes."
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
The World Moves in Mysterious Ways
What should appear on my Facebook newsfeed just a day after posting up a list of running books??
A list of "words to move you" - books about running!!
I will certainly be adding these to my list of books to read and note that some of my readers had already recommended some of them to me!
Oh and any runners who read my blog, I'm after suggestions of runs around Sydney - keeping in mind that I'm staying at a hotel near Central Station and have to be ready and have breakfast and get over to Australian Technology Park by 8.30am-9am each morning. I plan to be out the door running at around 5.30am so I'm thinking an hour run so around 10km or a bit further.
A list of "words to move you" - books about running!!
I will certainly be adding these to my list of books to read and note that some of my readers had already recommended some of them to me!
Oh and any runners who read my blog, I'm after suggestions of runs around Sydney - keeping in mind that I'm staying at a hotel near Central Station and have to be ready and have breakfast and get over to Australian Technology Park by 8.30am-9am each morning. I plan to be out the door running at around 5.30am so I'm thinking an hour run so around 10km or a bit further.
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Reading Phases
We all have them - well I think we do. Reading phases. Some last longer than others.
Prior to rekindling my relationship with exercise I was (and still am) an avid rural romance reader. However, since running has jumped up a notch or two in my life I have now become a reader of runners biographies and non-fiction about running.
There aren't too many runners biographies out there - perhaps because the runners are too busy running but I have read the following so far:
I never plan on being an ultra marathoner or running up huge mountains, but often it's the little things in the books that you get the most out of.
And I am sure to throw in a few rural romances in there just to even things out!
Prior to rekindling my relationship with exercise I was (and still am) an avid rural romance reader. However, since running has jumped up a notch or two in my life I have now become a reader of runners biographies and non-fiction about running.
There aren't too many runners biographies out there - perhaps because the runners are too busy running but I have read the following so far:
- Run! 26.2 stories of blisters and bliss by Dean Karnazes
- Mile markers: the 26.2 most important reasons why women run by Kristin Armstrong
- Everything to live for by Turia Pitt
- Short fat chick to marathon runner by Kerre Woodham
- Running against time: how I ended up at the top of Mount Fuji by Chris Pavey
- Running to extremes by Lisa Tamati
- Believe: Sally Pearson
I never plan on being an ultra marathoner or running up huge mountains, but often it's the little things in the books that you get the most out of.
And I am sure to throw in a few rural romances in there just to even things out!
Saturday, November 9, 2013
I'm back - well sort of!
It's been a while since my last post and that's because I have been preoccupied with other things.
Some of you that follow me on Facebook and Twitter would know that since my last post I have become somewhat obsessed with running. Yes you read right. Running!
It's been a while since I've had this sort of relationship with exercise. Prior to this obsession, I was doing boot camp (since February 2013), prior to that I was walking very regularly. But in my past life (pre-child), I did actually run a bit. In my past, past life I taught aerobics, ran, rode and swam regularly. So exercise and I have had a bit of an on and off relationship.
Back when I was in my mid-teens, exercise and I did not have a healthy relationship. Obsession overtook and I won't go into it in this blog post (maybe at a later date I'll be comfortable to write about it), but exercise became the be all and end all - and not the healthy thing it should've been. And now I'm older and wiser, it is a bit easier not to let exercise become the focus of life - it's pretty high up but family is still the highest!!
So now exercise is "on" again in my life, I'm a bit excited to have a "hobby" as such that does not revolve around libraries. Although since my obsession also includes reading as much as I can about running and exercise, the library is still a focus to obtain all the information!!
The people I exercise with are outside libraries and my place of work, so it is broadening my social circle and allowing me to focus on things that aren't necessarily to do with libraries. And this is probably why the blogging stopped.
You note from my previous posts, libraries and anything related to libraries is pretty much what this blog is about - ok weather slipped in there sometimes! Therefore, since focusing on exercise I didn't feel I had anything to share about libraries. I wanted to write about running but then I didn't want to bore readers.
Now don't be concerned, as I am still just as passionate about libraries. I think perhaps I'm now a more rounded individual because I have a focus that is not only related to my work. But I must admit that I was getting overwhelmed with living, eating, breathing libraries. So I think exercise has come back at a good time.
On a side note, there is a library conference coming up in a few weeks which I will be attending, and I must admit, that while I'm excited about what I will learn from the presentations and networking, I'm also excited planning my morning runs around Sydney!
I promise to blog about my conference learnings in early December.
Some of you that follow me on Facebook and Twitter would know that since my last post I have become somewhat obsessed with running. Yes you read right. Running!
It's been a while since I've had this sort of relationship with exercise. Prior to this obsession, I was doing boot camp (since February 2013), prior to that I was walking very regularly. But in my past life (pre-child), I did actually run a bit. In my past, past life I taught aerobics, ran, rode and swam regularly. So exercise and I have had a bit of an on and off relationship.
Back when I was in my mid-teens, exercise and I did not have a healthy relationship. Obsession overtook and I won't go into it in this blog post (maybe at a later date I'll be comfortable to write about it), but exercise became the be all and end all - and not the healthy thing it should've been. And now I'm older and wiser, it is a bit easier not to let exercise become the focus of life - it's pretty high up but family is still the highest!!
So now exercise is "on" again in my life, I'm a bit excited to have a "hobby" as such that does not revolve around libraries. Although since my obsession also includes reading as much as I can about running and exercise, the library is still a focus to obtain all the information!!
The people I exercise with are outside libraries and my place of work, so it is broadening my social circle and allowing me to focus on things that aren't necessarily to do with libraries. And this is probably why the blogging stopped.
You note from my previous posts, libraries and anything related to libraries is pretty much what this blog is about - ok weather slipped in there sometimes! Therefore, since focusing on exercise I didn't feel I had anything to share about libraries. I wanted to write about running but then I didn't want to bore readers.
Now don't be concerned, as I am still just as passionate about libraries. I think perhaps I'm now a more rounded individual because I have a focus that is not only related to my work. But I must admit that I was getting overwhelmed with living, eating, breathing libraries. So I think exercise has come back at a good time.
On a side note, there is a library conference coming up in a few weeks which I will be attending, and I must admit, that while I'm excited about what I will learn from the presentations and networking, I'm also excited planning my morning runs around Sydney!
I promise to blog about my conference learnings in early December.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
#blogjune Post 30 - Children and Technology and Exercise
Continuing on my Children and Technology theme, I read this article in today's Courier Mail: University Study Shows Kids Failing Basic Exercise Tests.http://m.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/university-study-shows-kids-failing-basic-exercise-tests-which-if-not-addressed-could-lead-to-obesity/story-fnihsrf2-1226671813751
Am writing this post on my tablet so sorry if the link appears a bit weird.
Anyway, the article discusses how due to the increase in "screen time," safety fears and "sterile playground environments," children are participating less in physical activity.
Where we (my generation) used to go outside, climb trees, play with go-karts, ride bikes, etc, most kids these days occupy themselves playing computer games and watching TV.
How do we overcome this? I know as a parent, I ensure that my child has some "outdoor" time and we visit the park and play and climb trees (well she does, I don't). But I also allow her to use technology.
I think the secret is ensuring we have a balance. We are lucky enough to send my child to a school that has regular sport sessions and encourages outdoor play.
So it's not only the worry of whether having children use technology as a learning tool is a good thing for their minds - we must also not forget about their physical health.
This is my last post for #blogjune. Thanks to all those that have read my posts. I was considering taking part in #commentjuly but due to being away from home for the first week with not a lot of internet access time, I thought it was not worth committing myself.
So until the next blog challenge or time where I have the urge to blog - thanks for reading!!
Am writing this post on my tablet so sorry if the link appears a bit weird.
Anyway, the article discusses how due to the increase in "screen time," safety fears and "sterile playground environments," children are participating less in physical activity.
Where we (my generation) used to go outside, climb trees, play with go-karts, ride bikes, etc, most kids these days occupy themselves playing computer games and watching TV.
How do we overcome this? I know as a parent, I ensure that my child has some "outdoor" time and we visit the park and play and climb trees (well she does, I don't). But I also allow her to use technology.
I think the secret is ensuring we have a balance. We are lucky enough to send my child to a school that has regular sport sessions and encourages outdoor play.
So it's not only the worry of whether having children use technology as a learning tool is a good thing for their minds - we must also not forget about their physical health.
This is my last post for #blogjune. Thanks to all those that have read my posts. I was considering taking part in #commentjuly but due to being away from home for the first week with not a lot of internet access time, I thought it was not worth committing myself.
So until the next blog challenge or time where I have the urge to blog - thanks for reading!!
Saturday, June 29, 2013
#blogjune Post 29 - I'm Packing
Forgive me for this short post, but I am in the middle of getting things done (e.g. washing, cleaning, packing, marking) before departing for Queensland tomorrow morning. Yes, instead of Monday, we are leaving tomorrow due to the impending Significant Weather Event that is apparently going to cause flooding rains in our area tomorrow afternoon and Monday.
Here's a image that I copied from Bellingen Weather Facebook page
So you can see we may be in for lots of rain - where I live in Urunga it is purple.
So back to packing so I can head off early tomorrow.
Here's a image that I copied from Bellingen Weather Facebook page
So you can see we may be in for lots of rain - where I live in Urunga it is purple.
So back to packing so I can head off early tomorrow.
Friday, June 28, 2013
#blogjune Post 28 - Lunchtime Conversations
Today I had lunch with some council colleagues from another department. As a librarian in local government, within the council teams I consider myself to be Canada - the safe colleague who gets along with the majority of the staff in the organisation.
Anyway, I'm not here to post about me. Conversation drifted to one of the colleagues mentioning they had recently seen a Catalyst episode on ABC TV about Information Overload.
They must have repeated the episode because I could only find one that was aired in 2012. But regardless, the topic is still relevant.
What struck my colleague is the impact of information consumption on children. On how our children are part of the "born digital" generation who will know no different then to using technology for everyday things and learning. These quotes from the show illustrate that:
"Prof David NicholasWe're all plugged in to the big, fat information pipe now. We can contact a massive library. Information is on tap.
Baroness Susan Greenfield
They're a side issue of salad, you know? In restaurants, everyone has their mobiles. You only have to see people incessantly using their thumbs while they're talking to someone else. You only have to see people with those white wires in their heads, not communicating or connecting with the outside world, let alone each other.
Anja Taylor
The virtual revolution is transforming the way we shop, manage our health, entertain ourselves and even how we make friends.
Prof Jean Twenge
Websites like Facebook and Twitter and YouTube really allow people to seek attention for themselves.
Prof Jeremy Bailenson
I can do things we can never do in the physical world. The rules, the physics, of how social interactions work get completely changed.
Baroness Susan Greenfield
I think the question of the impact of technology on young brains is as broad a question as that, let's say, of climate change. It's unprecedented, it's highly controversial - some people think we're doomed.
NARRATION
Whatever you think of digital technology, one thing is certain - there's no going back.
Anja Taylor
Digital technology is now so pervasive that there's an app that shows me what's in front of my phone so I don't run into things. If I lose connection, I feel anxious and thirsty for information. So if I'm feeling so ill at ease without it, what is all this constant stimulation actually doing to my brain?
Dr Bahador Bahrami
If you practise juggling for a week, then your brain is going to change. Now imagine for the past ten years, you have been sitting at your computer a few hours a day and using internet - of course it has changed you. There is no way that it shouldn't."
In previous posts, I have discussed children and technology, and what is a good age to have children using technology etc. The discussion I had with colleagues over lunch centred on how children look for information in a totally different way to what we do.
I am possibly making broad assumptions when I say this but during our discussion we did say that the majority of children (and I'm referring to those in primary school) will look to "Google" prior to looking to anywhere else when seeking information.
My colleagues and I reflected on how we would always go to a book first - most regularly the encyclopedia. We also reflected on the "finding information skills" that we were taught by the school librarian as part of our weekly library sessions. I have also blogged about the lack of this happening in schools these days.
I then mentioned how some studies have shown that university students do not absorb as much information when reading from a screen - computer or tablet - then when reading from a physical book. However, I said that we should do studies on our own children, who are born digital, when they are older to see if they also do not absorb as much information, because I believe the tide will have turned. Mainly because they will be so used to receiving information on a screen that, like is mentioned in the narration from Catalyst, their brain will change. Their method of learning will be much different to ours and those of university students today.
Insert Catalyst Narration:
"NARRATIONDigital natives - users born after 1993 - are less focused or engaged with each site. But is that a concern?
Dr Bahador Bahrami
Your brain is not there to give you education. Your brain is part of a biological organism that tries to maximise, uh, things, such as, for example, how easily you can get on with life without having to spend much energy, much time, or much effort. And if this maximises your gain without putting much effort in it, you brain is, of course, going to do this. This is very, very rational. If you take your child away from internet and just tell them, 'You have to go to the encyclopaedia in paper and find the answer, write it down in your notebook and take it to your teacher,' yes, she will be able to focus greatly. But 20 years from now, that is not what's going to get her in front of everybody else. Because everybody else does that in a second."
What do you think?
Anyway, I'm not here to post about me. Conversation drifted to one of the colleagues mentioning they had recently seen a Catalyst episode on ABC TV about Information Overload.
They must have repeated the episode because I could only find one that was aired in 2012. But regardless, the topic is still relevant.
What struck my colleague is the impact of information consumption on children. On how our children are part of the "born digital" generation who will know no different then to using technology for everyday things and learning. These quotes from the show illustrate that:
"Prof David NicholasWe're all plugged in to the big, fat information pipe now. We can contact a massive library. Information is on tap.
Baroness Susan Greenfield
They're a side issue of salad, you know? In restaurants, everyone has their mobiles. You only have to see people incessantly using their thumbs while they're talking to someone else. You only have to see people with those white wires in their heads, not communicating or connecting with the outside world, let alone each other.
Anja Taylor
The virtual revolution is transforming the way we shop, manage our health, entertain ourselves and even how we make friends.
Prof Jean Twenge
Websites like Facebook and Twitter and YouTube really allow people to seek attention for themselves.
Prof Jeremy Bailenson
I can do things we can never do in the physical world. The rules, the physics, of how social interactions work get completely changed.
Baroness Susan Greenfield
I think the question of the impact of technology on young brains is as broad a question as that, let's say, of climate change. It's unprecedented, it's highly controversial - some people think we're doomed.
NARRATION
Whatever you think of digital technology, one thing is certain - there's no going back.
Anja Taylor
Digital technology is now so pervasive that there's an app that shows me what's in front of my phone so I don't run into things. If I lose connection, I feel anxious and thirsty for information. So if I'm feeling so ill at ease without it, what is all this constant stimulation actually doing to my brain?
Dr Bahador Bahrami
If you practise juggling for a week, then your brain is going to change. Now imagine for the past ten years, you have been sitting at your computer a few hours a day and using internet - of course it has changed you. There is no way that it shouldn't."
In previous posts, I have discussed children and technology, and what is a good age to have children using technology etc. The discussion I had with colleagues over lunch centred on how children look for information in a totally different way to what we do.
I am possibly making broad assumptions when I say this but during our discussion we did say that the majority of children (and I'm referring to those in primary school) will look to "Google" prior to looking to anywhere else when seeking information.
My colleagues and I reflected on how we would always go to a book first - most regularly the encyclopedia. We also reflected on the "finding information skills" that we were taught by the school librarian as part of our weekly library sessions. I have also blogged about the lack of this happening in schools these days.
I then mentioned how some studies have shown that university students do not absorb as much information when reading from a screen - computer or tablet - then when reading from a physical book. However, I said that we should do studies on our own children, who are born digital, when they are older to see if they also do not absorb as much information, because I believe the tide will have turned. Mainly because they will be so used to receiving information on a screen that, like is mentioned in the narration from Catalyst, their brain will change. Their method of learning will be much different to ours and those of university students today.
Insert Catalyst Narration:
"NARRATIONDigital natives - users born after 1993 - are less focused or engaged with each site. But is that a concern?
Dr Bahador Bahrami
Your brain is not there to give you education. Your brain is part of a biological organism that tries to maximise, uh, things, such as, for example, how easily you can get on with life without having to spend much energy, much time, or much effort. And if this maximises your gain without putting much effort in it, you brain is, of course, going to do this. This is very, very rational. If you take your child away from internet and just tell them, 'You have to go to the encyclopaedia in paper and find the answer, write it down in your notebook and take it to your teacher,' yes, she will be able to focus greatly. But 20 years from now, that is not what's going to get her in front of everybody else. Because everybody else does that in a second."
What do you think?
Thursday, June 27, 2013
#blogjune Post 27 Part 2 - Take you riding in my car car - if it was fixed!
I know I "pinky promised" two blog posts today - well unfortunately I am not in the best frame of mind to do a "good" blog post (of course I am assuming that my other posts have been good).
Why you ask? See this FB status I recently put up:
Why you ask? See this FB status I recently put up:
Can not believe that my car has still not been fixed. It was booked in yesterday to have the bushes replaced. Geoff King Motors sent the mechanics the wrong parts. So I took it back today. Geoff King Motors says they have sent the parts via courier to the mechanics. The parts have not shown up. Geoff King Motors does not know what courier service they used to send the parts!!! Geoff King Mo...tors only has the one set of bushes in because they order their parts from Melbourne as they are needed. It takes 2-3 days to get parts from Melbourne and then another day to get them to the mechanics. Tomorrow is Friday. I am supposed to be driving to Ipswich on Monday!!! Those parts better show up or Geoff King Motors will get a visit from one angry woman tomorrow afternoon!!!
Just to clear things up - Geoff King Motors is not the mechanic I took the car to. It is a local Bellingen mechanic and they have done nothing wrong - they ordered the parts in advance and everything - they have to get the parts from Geoff King Motors because they are the VW dealership. Geoff King Motors are the one's causing the issue. I would love to ask for a courtesy car but mine is still going (safe to drive but not long drives on highway) and the mechanics is too little to even offer a car. So just to be clear the Bellingen Mechanics are excellent and not the one's causing the stuff up!! It will be interesting to see if they don't charge me for the bushes which what the mechanic was saying today because he said they will refuse to pay Geoff King Motors for them because of the stuff up - let's hope he keeps to his word!!
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
#blogjune Post 27 Part 1 - I ran again
As I am on a quick break from work, I thought I'd do a quick post about my motivating start to the morning.
I know to some, what follows will be no big deal - for me it is!
I joined the marathon ladies and one gentleman this morning for another run. It was to be 5km but we ended up doing 6.8km.
Once again I can say that I really enjoyed running with a group and did not feel at anytime that I could not keep going. I even pushed in a sprint at the end.
What made this run special for me as opposed to other runs I've done, is that we ran along the beach as the sun was coming up. I don't think there is anything better!
Even though it was cloudy, the sun did turn the clouds pink and it was beautiful.
It is during times like these, that I really love living here!
Here is a photo a friend took of me walking along the beach we ran along this morning. Different time of the year and day but still beautiful!
I know to some, what follows will be no big deal - for me it is!
I joined the marathon ladies and one gentleman this morning for another run. It was to be 5km but we ended up doing 6.8km.
Once again I can say that I really enjoyed running with a group and did not feel at anytime that I could not keep going. I even pushed in a sprint at the end.
What made this run special for me as opposed to other runs I've done, is that we ran along the beach as the sun was coming up. I don't think there is anything better!
Even though it was cloudy, the sun did turn the clouds pink and it was beautiful.
It is during times like these, that I really love living here!
#blogjune Post 26 - It's just a song. It's just a song. It's just a song about.....
I feel like a bit of a cheat tonight. This is really only half a post because I'm in the middle of some job two work, having to get Miss A to go to bed, and waiting for Adam Hills Tonight to start after a politically embarrassing evening.
I'm not even sure if I will make it through all of Adam Hills Tonight because I am tired and possibly getting up early to do another run with the Marathon ladies - yes you read right! Another run - possibly - if it's not raining!!
So because this is such a cop out post, I'm going to make a promise to do two blog posts tomorrow - yes your eyes do not play tricks - I promise two blog posts!! I pinky swear!!
I'm not even sure if I will make it through all of Adam Hills Tonight because I am tired and possibly getting up early to do another run with the Marathon ladies - yes you read right! Another run - possibly - if it's not raining!!
So because this is such a cop out post, I'm going to make a promise to do two blog posts tomorrow - yes your eyes do not play tricks - I promise two blog posts!! I pinky swear!!
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
#blogjune Post 25 - Revist: How Young is too Young for Technology?
Back in blog post 9 I pondered how young is too young for technology?
@shewgirl who originally prompted my pondering has responded to my post with Is the use of technology dependent on age?
Let's just start by saying that I agree with @shewgirl's (and I wish predictive text would stop changing this to @showgirl) that public libraries are in an excellent position to show how technology can be used to support learning and development.
If you think about it, at one stage in our lifetime, books were referred to as futuristic objects and sometimes feared by what they contained and thoughts they provoked. The same can be said about technology.
I have witnessed how my own child interacts with technology - pick up an iPad and of she goes with little need for instruction on how to use it - it is almost intuitive. It's second nature. The same with computers and hand held game devices - or any hand held mobile device.
Just a child seems to know that they should turn the pages - often after they had tasted them - they know that if they touch the screen something will happen. If they move the mouse, something will happen. If they press the button, something will happen.
Learning, as most of us know, is made up of using all of our senses (or all the one's available to us) - listening, speaking, seeing, and touching. You can add tasting (although not the recommended learning tool for all things) as well. I'm sure there is more, but you get the picture.
By introducing a child to a device such as an iPad, we are providing just another way of learning. And by assisting parents and carers by showing them how the device can be used and what apps/programs to use - then we are meeting one of our many roles as librarians - empowering people with information.
I only wish we had more iPads to offer a program such as iTots on a larger scale, but we can work on that.
@shewgirl who originally prompted my pondering has responded to my post with Is the use of technology dependent on age?
Let's just start by saying that I agree with @shewgirl's (and I wish predictive text would stop changing this to @showgirl) that public libraries are in an excellent position to show how technology can be used to support learning and development.
If you think about it, at one stage in our lifetime, books were referred to as futuristic objects and sometimes feared by what they contained and thoughts they provoked. The same can be said about technology.
I have witnessed how my own child interacts with technology - pick up an iPad and of she goes with little need for instruction on how to use it - it is almost intuitive. It's second nature. The same with computers and hand held game devices - or any hand held mobile device.
Just a child seems to know that they should turn the pages - often after they had tasted them - they know that if they touch the screen something will happen. If they move the mouse, something will happen. If they press the button, something will happen.
Learning, as most of us know, is made up of using all of our senses (or all the one's available to us) - listening, speaking, seeing, and touching. You can add tasting (although not the recommended learning tool for all things) as well. I'm sure there is more, but you get the picture.
By introducing a child to a device such as an iPad, we are providing just another way of learning. And by assisting parents and carers by showing them how the device can be used and what apps/programs to use - then we are meeting one of our many roles as librarians - empowering people with information.
I only wish we had more iPads to offer a program such as iTots on a larger scale, but we can work on that.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
#blogjune Post 24 - Pondering Library Subscription Frustration
Last week I read this blog post: What Librarians Lack: The Importance of the Entrepreneurial Spirit.
I have to say that I somewhat agree with what Anthony writes. I get frustrated with library vendor products - which means I get frustrated with library vendors.
For example, we subscribe to a great product - Zinio eMagazines (please note that this is not a pick on Zinio post). But to show a library member how to access this excellent product almost requires a degree in itself.
First create an account, then select a magazine from the list, then get diverted to another page, then create another account, then log in and then view your library, then maybe download another bit of software or app, then log in again, then with some luck you might be able to access your magazine that you originally selected but sometimes you have to go back through the process again.
Let's be honest here and say that it is not only Zinio that present this problem. Most library subscription databases/collections require more than a library card number to access. Most require the user to create an account and use both library card and user name and password to access. Then sometimes there is the requirement of downloading a piece of software so you can finally access what you were trying to access.
However, if you were an individual subscribing to this service (I know that not all library subscription services have an option for an individual to subscribe), it would not be as clunky to access what you had subscribed to.
I understand that a certain amount of secruity is required to ensure those that haven't "paid" for the service can't access it, but really there has to be a better way.
The amount of library members I have provided one-on-one instruction on how to access these services/collections to and then they have been put off because all this creating accounts is confusing is quite high. I know that there are a high number that have conquered this speed hump but there are a lot that haven't.
I know I have mentioned to a few library vendors when I have the pleasure of meeting them at conference exhibitions, the frustration of access issues. And they do listen, but don't have a solution.
Should we be creating solutions to these problems? Is it our responsibility to do so? Or is it a matter of working more closely with vendors? Or are their hands as tied as ours?
I have to say that I somewhat agree with what Anthony writes. I get frustrated with library vendor products - which means I get frustrated with library vendors.
For example, we subscribe to a great product - Zinio eMagazines (please note that this is not a pick on Zinio post). But to show a library member how to access this excellent product almost requires a degree in itself.
First create an account, then select a magazine from the list, then get diverted to another page, then create another account, then log in and then view your library, then maybe download another bit of software or app, then log in again, then with some luck you might be able to access your magazine that you originally selected but sometimes you have to go back through the process again.
Let's be honest here and say that it is not only Zinio that present this problem. Most library subscription databases/collections require more than a library card number to access. Most require the user to create an account and use both library card and user name and password to access. Then sometimes there is the requirement of downloading a piece of software so you can finally access what you were trying to access.
However, if you were an individual subscribing to this service (I know that not all library subscription services have an option for an individual to subscribe), it would not be as clunky to access what you had subscribed to.
I understand that a certain amount of secruity is required to ensure those that haven't "paid" for the service can't access it, but really there has to be a better way.
The amount of library members I have provided one-on-one instruction on how to access these services/collections to and then they have been put off because all this creating accounts is confusing is quite high. I know that there are a high number that have conquered this speed hump but there are a lot that haven't.
I know I have mentioned to a few library vendors when I have the pleasure of meeting them at conference exhibitions, the frustration of access issues. And they do listen, but don't have a solution.
Should we be creating solutions to these problems? Is it our responsibility to do so? Or is it a matter of working more closely with vendors? Or are their hands as tied as ours?
#blogjune Post 23 - Lazy Sunday or Going to Karly Lane's Book Launch
I was going to post some of my funny poetry that won me some baby stuff when I was on maternity leave with Miss A - but alas, I can't find the book that I wrote it all down in.
So now I'm at a loss what to post about.
This afternoon I went to Dymocks book store at Park Beach Plaza in Coffs Harbour for Karly Lane's book launch of her new book, Burnt.
I actually purchased the book when it was first available as an ebook, but this afternoon I purchased a print copy for our library.
I have been a fan of Karly since reading The Cattleman's Runaway Bride about 3 years ago. Karly also writes as Karlene Blakemore-Mowle.
I have had the pleasure of hosting Karly at Bellingen Library twice, well three times if you count the session she did as part of this year's Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival. I like to support local authors, and Karly is really down to Earth and friendly, which helps when organising book talks in the library.
This afternoon was very enjoyable. A couple of other local authors also turned out to congratulate Karly on the launch of new book. Greg Barron and Jenn J McLeod have also been kind enough to talk at my library. Even though I am not an author/writer, Karly, Jenn and Greg make me feel a bit like part of the support team. I highly recommend Karly's, Greg's and Jenn's book(s) to all so go and buy (or borrow) them!!
Greg will be at Dymocks Coffs Harbour next Saturday at 11am to launch his second book, Savage Tide.
It is interesting attending book launches at book shops and then wondering if they are more successful for authors then visiting libraries. I mean, at book shop book launches, people can purchase the book, whereas at the library, most people assume that the library already has a copy or will purchase a copy and wait for that to become available to loan, rather than spend the money.
However, I think libraries offer a more comfortable conversation space then book shops - or maybe I just get distracted by all the other books available in the book shops that I find myself looking more at what is on the shelves, then paying attention to what the author is saying. What do you think?
Regardless, it was somewhat booky weekend for me. I started reading my TBR pile and finished of The Farmer's Wife by Rachael Treasure this morning. However, I have not even started watching anything in the TBW pile. Let's hope there isn't much work from 2nd job this week so I might be able to sneak in some reading and watching!!
So now I'm at a loss what to post about.
This afternoon I went to Dymocks book store at Park Beach Plaza in Coffs Harbour for Karly Lane's book launch of her new book, Burnt.
I actually purchased the book when it was first available as an ebook, but this afternoon I purchased a print copy for our library.
I have been a fan of Karly since reading The Cattleman's Runaway Bride about 3 years ago. Karly also writes as Karlene Blakemore-Mowle.
I have had the pleasure of hosting Karly at Bellingen Library twice, well three times if you count the session she did as part of this year's Bellingen Readers and Writers Festival. I like to support local authors, and Karly is really down to Earth and friendly, which helps when organising book talks in the library.
This afternoon was very enjoyable. A couple of other local authors also turned out to congratulate Karly on the launch of new book. Greg Barron and Jenn J McLeod have also been kind enough to talk at my library. Even though I am not an author/writer, Karly, Jenn and Greg make me feel a bit like part of the support team. I highly recommend Karly's, Greg's and Jenn's book(s) to all so go and buy (or borrow) them!!
Greg will be at Dymocks Coffs Harbour next Saturday at 11am to launch his second book, Savage Tide.
It is interesting attending book launches at book shops and then wondering if they are more successful for authors then visiting libraries. I mean, at book shop book launches, people can purchase the book, whereas at the library, most people assume that the library already has a copy or will purchase a copy and wait for that to become available to loan, rather than spend the money.
However, I think libraries offer a more comfortable conversation space then book shops - or maybe I just get distracted by all the other books available in the book shops that I find myself looking more at what is on the shelves, then paying attention to what the author is saying. What do you think?
Regardless, it was somewhat booky weekend for me. I started reading my TBR pile and finished of The Farmer's Wife by Rachael Treasure this morning. However, I have not even started watching anything in the TBW pile. Let's hope there isn't much work from 2nd job this week so I might be able to sneak in some reading and watching!!
Saturday, June 22, 2013
#blogjune Post 22 - Some Poetry
During my run this afternoon, I got pooed on by a bird!
Now I will share with you some poetry I wrote a very very long time ago - about 12 years ago I would guess.
Sorry if it's bad!!
Sharon's Ode to Water Skiing
A roar from the engine
Brings to life the rope.
Through my arms I feel the power.
Hold on for dear life, won't let go I hope.
Spray on my face as I am dragged through the water.
Ski's skim through, legs follow later.
Flying across the glassy surface.
Muscles working hard, water in my face.
Hard work done,
Time to have fun.
Water flat as a mirror.
Hang on a sec, waves coming, height 'bout a metre.
Ski's skid out of control.
Don't worry, the rope I still hold.
Knees bend, head high.
Oh shit, now I'm looking at the sky.
Sky water, water sky.
Come to a stop, breathe a sigh.
A roar from the engine
Brings to life the rope.
Through my arms I feel the power.
Hold on for dear life, won't let go I hope.
Just another days' skiing out at the dam.
One day I'll master it, I know I can.
Maybe
Maybe it's the way you look at me
With your soft and tender eyes.
Maybe it's the way you've taught me
That it's possible to fly.
Maybe it's the way you talk to me
Like I'm someone you really trust.
Maybe it's the way you listen to me
Without thinking that you must.
Maybe it's the way you lie with me
And fit me like a spoon.
Maybe it's a feeling that will last forever
Either that or go too soon.
Maybe it's a figment of my imagination
Only just a dream.
Maybe I should stop chasing butterflies
And let them come to me.
Now I will share with you some poetry I wrote a very very long time ago - about 12 years ago I would guess.
Sorry if it's bad!!
Sharon's Ode to Water Skiing
A roar from the engine
Brings to life the rope.
Through my arms I feel the power.
Hold on for dear life, won't let go I hope.
Spray on my face as I am dragged through the water.
Ski's skim through, legs follow later.
Flying across the glassy surface.
Muscles working hard, water in my face.
Hard work done,
Time to have fun.
Water flat as a mirror.
Hang on a sec, waves coming, height 'bout a metre.
Ski's skid out of control.
Don't worry, the rope I still hold.
Knees bend, head high.
Oh shit, now I'm looking at the sky.
Sky water, water sky.
Come to a stop, breathe a sigh.
A roar from the engine
Brings to life the rope.
Through my arms I feel the power.
Hold on for dear life, won't let go I hope.
Just another days' skiing out at the dam.
One day I'll master it, I know I can.
Maybe
Maybe it's the way you look at me
With your soft and tender eyes.
Maybe it's the way you've taught me
That it's possible to fly.
Maybe it's the way you talk to me
Like I'm someone you really trust.
Maybe it's the way you listen to me
Without thinking that you must.
Maybe it's the way you lie with me
And fit me like a spoon.
Maybe it's a feeling that will last forever
Either that or go too soon.
Maybe it's a figment of my imagination
Only just a dream.
Maybe I should stop chasing butterflies
And let them come to me.
Friday, June 21, 2013
#blogjune Post 21 - TBR and TBW Piles
Another late post due to boot camp in the morning, a lift to work and some 2nd job work to do after 1st job work.
I've now finished 2nd job work for the night and have caught up on #blogjune posts.
Not much planned for the weekend - except KARLY LANE'S BOOK LAUNCH but am hoping to make a start in getting through these - considering 4 of them are "quick reads" (two week loans):
I've now finished 2nd job work for the night and have caught up on #blogjune posts.
Not much planned for the weekend - except KARLY LANE'S BOOK LAUNCH but am hoping to make a start in getting through these - considering 4 of them are "quick reads" (two week loans):
To Be Read (TBR) Pile - I have waited many months for some of these books but I'm afraid 2nd job is not allowing me much time to read.
To Be Watched (TBW) Pile - BMX Bandits should be fun to watch and I've been told Jack Irish is a good series - I missed it when it was viewed on ABC and my internet is so slow that there is no point trying to watch it on iView (although I'm not sure it is available on there). I am also enjoying "A Place to Call Home" which stars Marta Dusseldorp, so I'm sure it will be good.
What's on your TBR/TBW piles?
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
#blogjune Post 20 - Embedded Librarianship in Public Libraries
This morning I read this post - Embedded Librarianship - Not as Painful as it Sounds by @GeocachingLibn.
While the post refers more to Embedded Librarianship in academic libraries - which seems to be discussed a lot - what about Embedded Librarianship in public libraries.
The Embedded Librarian recently posted about Embedded Librarianship across all sectors, including public libraries - The Embedded Model, the Future of Librarianship and What to Do at Work Tomorrow!
In their post, they explained how they see Embedded Librarianship as being part of a team with an Embedded Librarian being one whom:
I believe a librarian working in a public library can be an Embedded Librarian.
Think for a minute about the Council you work for. How can you become an Embedded Librarian within that Council? What can you offer the Council team(s)? How can you project your unique set of skills to the Council team(s)?
I think if more public librarians did this for their Council's then our profession would receive greater recognition rather than being the service to the community that has no economic value. Just note that I know there is research that shows our economic value but not all Council staff/community members believe that, especially when that economic value isn't visable in the Council budget.
However, the Embedded Librarian also notes that there are differences between Embedded Librarianship and Traditional Librarianship:
I think it can to a certain extent, depending on the size of the library and number of resources available. I think public librarians have to focus on what they can offer to their Council team(s), but also focus on what they can offer to other community organisations and move out from the library. I think this is more than outreach services.
What do you think? I'm certainly going to ponder this a bit more and may even post about it again, once I gather more thoughts together. But I'd love to hear other's thoughts on this topic.
While the post refers more to Embedded Librarianship in academic libraries - which seems to be discussed a lot - what about Embedded Librarianship in public libraries.
The Embedded Librarian recently posted about Embedded Librarianship across all sectors, including public libraries - The Embedded Model, the Future of Librarianship and What to Do at Work Tomorrow!
In their post, they explained how they see Embedded Librarianship as being part of a team with an Embedded Librarian being one whom:
- develops strong working relationships with members of a team or community;
- achieves mutual understanding with the team, which means that the librarian understands the team's goals and operations, and the team understands the librarian's role and value;
- shares responsibility for achieving the team's goals;
- and makes customised, highly-valued contributions to the team;
I believe a librarian working in a public library can be an Embedded Librarian.
Think for a minute about the Council you work for. How can you become an Embedded Librarian within that Council? What can you offer the Council team(s)? How can you project your unique set of skills to the Council team(s)?
I think if more public librarians did this for their Council's then our profession would receive greater recognition rather than being the service to the community that has no economic value. Just note that I know there is research that shows our economic value but not all Council staff/community members believe that, especially when that economic value isn't visable in the Council budget.
However, the Embedded Librarian also notes that there are differences between Embedded Librarianship and Traditional Librarianship:
- Embedded Librarianship focuses on relationships not transactions;
- The embedded model requires the librarian to specialise, not try to be all things to all people;
- The Embedded Librarian is out of the library and fully engaged with other employees and groups of the enterprise;
- Embedded Librarians aren't just service providers;
- Traditional Librarianship has become a commodity. Embedded Librarianship finds new value in new roles.
I think it can to a certain extent, depending on the size of the library and number of resources available. I think public librarians have to focus on what they can offer to their Council team(s), but also focus on what they can offer to other community organisations and move out from the library. I think this is more than outreach services.
What do you think? I'm certainly going to ponder this a bit more and may even post about it again, once I gather more thoughts together. But I'd love to hear other's thoughts on this topic.
#blogjune Post 19 - Looking for Inspiration - Some thoughts on Weeding
Ok I'm really late with this post (although not too late as it is still the 19th day of June).
I had a rushed morning with a freezing start of boot camp at 6am - but a beautiful sunrise over North Beach/Kalang/Bellinger Rivers (where the rivers meet the sea), then a rush to be ready to get a lift to work at 8am. You see my car is currently not road worthy until I can get it back to the mechanics next week to get the bushes replaced - we will not think about the damage to the hip pocket or the limited funds I will have for my trip to Ipswich during the school holidays (yes I'm going home for a week) - the mechanic promises that I "won't know myself" when I get the car fixed!!
Tomorrow morning will be another rush as I get an earlier lift to work - thank goodness no boot camp so I will most likely rush out another blog post tomorrow morning.
I now only have 10 minutes until Adam Hills Tonight starts so will pick up the pace.
I'm looking for inspiration for a post and thought I'd discuss (briefly) a post I read this morning on Tame the Web.
A library in the USA has weeded all the non-fiction books in their collection published pre-2003 to make way for new material and in preparation for the implementation of RFID.
Now so far this year I have weeded two of my three branch libraries with the assistance of staff from HQ. We use the standard (I think) anything over 10 years old that hasn't been loaned in 2 years. However, I do use some discretion by looking at the condition of the item and if it still will have some in-house use. But sometimes I do get ruthless and if it has only gone out once in the last 2 years or has been consistently borrowed by the one person and is looking pretty grotty - then it may end up on the book sale table.
But what a radical (possibly stupid depending on how you look at it) move to weed items without checking usage.
Then that makes me think about another article I read recently discussing whether weeding certain items from a library's collection is actually resulting in the dumbing down of library collections - But what if I can't find it on the Internet?
In particular, this bit of the article I found interesting: On a recent catalogue search, I discovered that all the books on a particular key subject had disappeared, apparently weeded out according to publication date or number of borrowing transactions. When I reported this, I was told I was free to recommend any titles I thought appropriate. However, an effective selection (and deselection) policy should ensure that key subject areas remain represented.
I think when it comes to weeding a collection - you have to know your community and what they read. But then what about new people to your community - how do you know what they will like?
You also have to know what gets used in-house or where the gaps may be.
Weeding is a careful task requiring community and subject/genre/readers advisory knowledge and should not be taken lightly - although there is some quiet satisfaction in cleaning out collections and one can get carried away!
I had a rushed morning with a freezing start of boot camp at 6am - but a beautiful sunrise over North Beach/Kalang/Bellinger Rivers (where the rivers meet the sea), then a rush to be ready to get a lift to work at 8am. You see my car is currently not road worthy until I can get it back to the mechanics next week to get the bushes replaced - we will not think about the damage to the hip pocket or the limited funds I will have for my trip to Ipswich during the school holidays (yes I'm going home for a week) - the mechanic promises that I "won't know myself" when I get the car fixed!!
Tomorrow morning will be another rush as I get an earlier lift to work - thank goodness no boot camp so I will most likely rush out another blog post tomorrow morning.
I now only have 10 minutes until Adam Hills Tonight starts so will pick up the pace.
I'm looking for inspiration for a post and thought I'd discuss (briefly) a post I read this morning on Tame the Web.
A library in the USA has weeded all the non-fiction books in their collection published pre-2003 to make way for new material and in preparation for the implementation of RFID.
Now so far this year I have weeded two of my three branch libraries with the assistance of staff from HQ. We use the standard (I think) anything over 10 years old that hasn't been loaned in 2 years. However, I do use some discretion by looking at the condition of the item and if it still will have some in-house use. But sometimes I do get ruthless and if it has only gone out once in the last 2 years or has been consistently borrowed by the one person and is looking pretty grotty - then it may end up on the book sale table.
But what a radical (possibly stupid depending on how you look at it) move to weed items without checking usage.
Then that makes me think about another article I read recently discussing whether weeding certain items from a library's collection is actually resulting in the dumbing down of library collections - But what if I can't find it on the Internet?
In particular, this bit of the article I found interesting: On a recent catalogue search, I discovered that all the books on a particular key subject had disappeared, apparently weeded out according to publication date or number of borrowing transactions. When I reported this, I was told I was free to recommend any titles I thought appropriate. However, an effective selection (and deselection) policy should ensure that key subject areas remain represented.
Merely relying on the public to fill gaps simply leads to
collections biased towards the needs of a few activist clients. As many
academics have said over recent years, it is also foolish to deselect based on
the number of times an item has been lent out, because many books are consulted
on the premises, without being borrowed. Other works may be used very rarely,
but nevertheless be crucial sources for research. A consequence of this
''deselection by unpopularity'' is the dumbing down of library collections,
making them less relevant to serious researchers.
I think when it comes to weeding a collection - you have to know your community and what they read. But then what about new people to your community - how do you know what they will like?
You also have to know what gets used in-house or where the gaps may be.
Weeding is a careful task requiring community and subject/genre/readers advisory knowledge and should not be taken lightly - although there is some quiet satisfaction in cleaning out collections and one can get carried away!
Monday, June 17, 2013
#blogjune Post 18 - It's Just a Quote
This morning it is cold - apparently 6.1'C but I believe it was 5'C when I got up at 6.15am. No boot camp this morning - thank goodness!! But tomorrow morning it will be on and it is supposed to be just as cold - I do question my sanity at times!
So because it is so cold, my fingers aren't typing that well so I'm going to fall back on a quote I found in a book I was reading recently.
"Waves rolled out of the steel-grey world to hurl themselves at the shore like battering rams, full of force and fury."
This was from Nora Roberts latest, Whiskey Beach. I'm a bit of a Nora Roberts fan - so much so that Miss A frequently asks me if I read any books by other authors!!
This quote from the book, resonated with me because I live near the beach and during our East Coast Lows - which we seem to have quite often - the waves do exactly as that quote says.
Although, I imagine a house high on a rocky headland with the waves crashing against the rocks below on a grey miserable day - to be more apt for the quote.
However, at night when you can hear the waves crashing on the beach - you can almost imagine that your house is on a rocky headland and the waves are crashing below. And if you imagine even harder, that even though it is cold outside, you have a nice warm open fire heating the house up as you lay under big fluffy doonas in blissful sleep.
Ok, in reality we are in a fibro house with no heating (electricity prices are so high here that we can't afford to run a heater), dressed in layers of clothes, sleeping in beds with flannelette sheets and fluffy doonas, trying to stay warm.
That's why I love books - because I can imagine I'm in that house on the rocky headland nice and warm!!
So because it is so cold, my fingers aren't typing that well so I'm going to fall back on a quote I found in a book I was reading recently.
"Waves rolled out of the steel-grey world to hurl themselves at the shore like battering rams, full of force and fury."
This was from Nora Roberts latest, Whiskey Beach. I'm a bit of a Nora Roberts fan - so much so that Miss A frequently asks me if I read any books by other authors!!
This quote from the book, resonated with me because I live near the beach and during our East Coast Lows - which we seem to have quite often - the waves do exactly as that quote says.
Although, I imagine a house high on a rocky headland with the waves crashing against the rocks below on a grey miserable day - to be more apt for the quote.
However, at night when you can hear the waves crashing on the beach - you can almost imagine that your house is on a rocky headland and the waves are crashing below. And if you imagine even harder, that even though it is cold outside, you have a nice warm open fire heating the house up as you lay under big fluffy doonas in blissful sleep.
Ok, in reality we are in a fibro house with no heating (electricity prices are so high here that we can't afford to run a heater), dressed in layers of clothes, sleeping in beds with flannelette sheets and fluffy doonas, trying to stay warm.
That's why I love books - because I can imagine I'm in that house on the rocky headland nice and warm!!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
#blogjune Post 17 - You Can't Judge a Person By What They Read
I'm sorry for the late post but today I had bootcamp in the morning and even though I had an RDO (Rostered Day Off), I still had to do 2 loads of washing, drop Miss A at school, hang the wash, clean the house, clean the car and mow the lawn. Don't worry, hubby and I did have a nice walk on the beach around lunch time so all was not all work and no play. Anyway, it seemed I didn't have time to do a blog post this morning so here it is this afternoon.
A few fellow #blogjune bloggers have posted about their bookshelves (@greengecko29, @stokesrenee) so I thought I would show off my 2 bookshelves today.
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I'm not sure how well you can see the titles, but you will note a few romances, some SE Hinton, Fifty Shades, Twilight series (missing a book because I loaned it to someone and they didn't return it), a few parenting books and some books that belong to hubby.
Now I do read a lot but I don't buy a lot of books. And the books I do buy, I then donate to the library, unless I want to hang on to them like SE Hinton, Twilight (may share with Miss A when she is older), 50 Shades (which is hard bound and I won it), signed copy of Greg Barron's Rotten Gods (Greg's a local and really great author - I'm taking this one up to my dad for him to read).
I also have a number of books on my tablet via the Kindle app, Bluefire Reader and Overdrive app (not for libraries but Harlequin ebooks can only be read on the Overdrive app).
I don't know about you but usually when I visit a person's house, the first thing I look for is a book shelf/case and then I ask if I can take a look. Sometimes a book case contents can reveal a lot about a person. But with the move to ebooks, many people don't have full book shelves. Or like me, they donate their print books.
So what does my bookshelf reveal about me?
A few fellow #blogjune bloggers have posted about their bookshelves (
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Now I do read a lot but I don't buy a lot of books. And the books I do buy, I then donate to the library, unless I want to hang on to them like SE Hinton, Twilight (may share with Miss A when she is older), 50 Shades (which is hard bound and I won it), signed copy of Greg Barron's Rotten Gods (Greg's a local and really great author - I'm taking this one up to my dad for him to read).
I also have a number of books on my tablet via the Kindle app, Bluefire Reader and Overdrive app (not for libraries but Harlequin ebooks can only be read on the Overdrive app).
I don't know about you but usually when I visit a person's house, the first thing I look for is a book shelf/case and then I ask if I can take a look. Sometimes a book case contents can reveal a lot about a person. But with the move to ebooks, many people don't have full book shelves. Or like me, they donate their print books.
So what does my bookshelf reveal about me?
Saturday, June 15, 2013
#blogjune Post 16 - #anz23mthings Thing 6 YouTube + Screencasts
Yesterday I spent the morning (8.30am-12pm) fronting a table on Church St, Bellingen (across from the cafes) selling our online resources to passes by for Crazy Market Day.
Unfortunately, where we were set up was no a high traffic area. I was led to believe that there would be more stalls and more people but there was only one other stall - and I don't think that person was happy because they were probably told the same thing.
Regardless, I had about 20 people stop and have a chat about our online services such as Zinio eMagazines (I note that they have changed the interface of the platform again - without warning. This constantly happens to me when I give our users a one-on-one demo - the interface is changed and I look like I don't know what I'm doing - why do they do that??), OneClickDigital downloadable eAudio Books, and more. But those two were the main one's I was selling.
What surprised me (well actually it didn't that much) was that a lot of our library members and regular users did not know that we had these resources. One of my staff asked did we have posters up about it - and I said yes we do but people don't seem to read posters all that much, nor signage for that matter. So how do we successfully market these resources?
I must add that we also do regular newspaper articles, Facebook promotions and of course, make it prominent on our webpage. But I believe I know where it is failing - the on sell!! When the library user comes to the desk for assistant or returning or checking out resources - that is where the marketing should happen. And I know that it doesn't always happen!
Staff may be enthused for a short time while the resource is new and fresh in their mind, but then it just doesn't remain something they think about. It can be said about our online databases too. Often we will check our catalogue for information and say "I'm sorry but we don't have anything on that topic" without going the next step.
If our staff don't promote it then how do we expect our library members/users to know we have access to these resources. And sometimes the staff don't promote it because they are not confident in using the particular resource. So then it becomes a training issue - but then sometimes the training is provided and they still don't think about it or take responsibility in making sure they know how to use the resource.
This leads into this weeks #anz23mthings ANZ 23 Mobile Things Thing 6: YouTube and Screencasts.
My library service currently does not have a YouTube channel and this is due to the fact that we have limited staffing resources. I don't believe it is because the staff don't have the skills to do it - it is more of a lack of staff and a lack of time.
I have been a YouTube user - as in I watch videos - for some time. I mainly watch music videos and the odd library related clip that someone has referred to in a blog/twitter/facebook post. I have never made a video, mainly because I've never had any reason to.
But in my other job as a TAFE teacher, I have used other libraries/librarians/library staff YouTube videos as a resource for students to watch to learn about particular things. So I can understand their use as a tutorial tool.
I also refer my library users to the online video tutorials for the online resources I discussed above. I especially find the videos for Ancestry.com useful as I have not had reason to do a lot of genealogical research so am not fully aware of the total capacity of Ancestry.com. I suppose the videos for Ancestry.com are more like Screencasts then actual videos, as they capture screen shots as the presenter is demonstrating how it works.
As next week is catch up week for #anz23mthings, I may have to play around with the "making a video" concept. Once again I will be relying on my work tablet and having the time to play around with it. For me it's always about having the time.
This morning I had a quick look through the favourite videos that have been selected by other #anz23mthings participants. There are some good one's there and I do wish I had more time to follow This Week in Libraries, and even though not video related, a few of the #blogjune participants have listed podcasts that they regularly listen to. And of course, when I go to find them to provide links to them, I can't find them. Sigh!! Whoop - found one - thanks to @ALIASydney for their list of podcasts.
Unfortunately, where we were set up was no a high traffic area. I was led to believe that there would be more stalls and more people but there was only one other stall - and I don't think that person was happy because they were probably told the same thing.
Regardless, I had about 20 people stop and have a chat about our online services such as Zinio eMagazines (I note that they have changed the interface of the platform again - without warning. This constantly happens to me when I give our users a one-on-one demo - the interface is changed and I look like I don't know what I'm doing - why do they do that??), OneClickDigital downloadable eAudio Books, and more. But those two were the main one's I was selling.
What surprised me (well actually it didn't that much) was that a lot of our library members and regular users did not know that we had these resources. One of my staff asked did we have posters up about it - and I said yes we do but people don't seem to read posters all that much, nor signage for that matter. So how do we successfully market these resources?
I must add that we also do regular newspaper articles, Facebook promotions and of course, make it prominent on our webpage. But I believe I know where it is failing - the on sell!! When the library user comes to the desk for assistant or returning or checking out resources - that is where the marketing should happen. And I know that it doesn't always happen!
Staff may be enthused for a short time while the resource is new and fresh in their mind, but then it just doesn't remain something they think about. It can be said about our online databases too. Often we will check our catalogue for information and say "I'm sorry but we don't have anything on that topic" without going the next step.
If our staff don't promote it then how do we expect our library members/users to know we have access to these resources. And sometimes the staff don't promote it because they are not confident in using the particular resource. So then it becomes a training issue - but then sometimes the training is provided and they still don't think about it or take responsibility in making sure they know how to use the resource.
This leads into this weeks #anz23mthings ANZ 23 Mobile Things Thing 6: YouTube and Screencasts.
My library service currently does not have a YouTube channel and this is due to the fact that we have limited staffing resources. I don't believe it is because the staff don't have the skills to do it - it is more of a lack of staff and a lack of time.
I have been a YouTube user - as in I watch videos - for some time. I mainly watch music videos and the odd library related clip that someone has referred to in a blog/twitter/facebook post. I have never made a video, mainly because I've never had any reason to.
But in my other job as a TAFE teacher, I have used other libraries/librarians/library staff YouTube videos as a resource for students to watch to learn about particular things. So I can understand their use as a tutorial tool.
I also refer my library users to the online video tutorials for the online resources I discussed above. I especially find the videos for Ancestry.com useful as I have not had reason to do a lot of genealogical research so am not fully aware of the total capacity of Ancestry.com. I suppose the videos for Ancestry.com are more like Screencasts then actual videos, as they capture screen shots as the presenter is demonstrating how it works.
As next week is catch up week for #anz23mthings, I may have to play around with the "making a video" concept. Once again I will be relying on my work tablet and having the time to play around with it. For me it's always about having the time.
This morning I had a quick look through the favourite videos that have been selected by other #anz23mthings participants. There are some good one's there and I do wish I had more time to follow This Week in Libraries, and even though not video related, a few of the #blogjune participants have listed podcasts that they regularly listen to. And of course, when I go to find them to provide links to them, I can't find them. Sigh!! Whoop - found one - thanks to @ALIASydney for their list of podcasts.
Friday, June 14, 2013
#blogjune Post 15 - It's been 5 Years Continued
Following on from yesterday's post and since I'm up early and my brain really is in weekend mode, I'm continuing yesterday's post and sharing some more photos/thoughts on living in Bellingen Shire.
Lavender's Bridge over the Bellinger River
Minor flood with Miss A - our first flood in Bellingen not realising that there would be many, many more to come
It's well known that on the North side of Bellingen, they will throw a party when the bridge is under as they are pretty much cut off. There has been a lot of discussion about building a new bridge that won't flood - but really where is the fun in that?!?
Urunga - where we live. Looking inviting in Summer time.
I have plenty more photos on my Facebook account. And I hope to take some today of the Crazy Market Day in Bellingen.
Enjoy your Saturday!!
Lavender's Bridge over the Bellinger River
Minor flood with Miss A - our first flood in Bellingen not realising that there would be many, many more to come
It's well known that on the North side of Bellingen, they will throw a party when the bridge is under as they are pretty much cut off. There has been a lot of discussion about building a new bridge that won't flood - but really where is the fun in that?!?
Urunga - where we live. Looking inviting in Summer time.
I have plenty more photos on my Facebook account. And I hope to take some today of the Crazy Market Day in Bellingen.
Enjoy your Saturday!!
Thursday, June 13, 2013
#blogjune Post 14 - It's been 5 years
Tomorrow is Crazy Market Day in Bellingen. This is when the monthly markets are on and all the shops in town offer some crazy deals.
I have been allocated a table up in the busy area of the main street to promote library services. I will be focusing on our online services such as Zinio eMagazines, OneClickDigital eAudio Books, online databases and online computer learning.
While that is exciting, today (well it probably wasn't exactly on this date) marks 5 years since we visited Bellingen for the first time.
I had a telephone interview for my current position and they had invited me to Grafton to meet face to face. So regardless of whether I got the job or not, I booked us in to the Bellingen Valley Lodge to stay one night - I had to work on the Sunday.
Surprisingly I got offered the job - I didn't accept straight away. So in a surreal haze we drove from Grafton to Bellingen thinking the whole time that this was going to be our new home.
We had never been to Bellingen before. We had many long weekends at Iluka, we even had our honeymoon there and I had always thought it would be good to work in a library down this way.
Bellingen was like stepping into the twilight zone - well coming from Goodna in Ipswich Qld it was.
The street was alive that Friday night before Crazy Market Day. It was green (a change from the brown we'd become used to in Qld due to a 10 year drought). And there was a quirkiness to the town.
Now here we are. I can't say that I feel like a local yet, but at the same time I think I may just be a little quirky too so perhaps I do fit in here.
We lived in Bellingen for a year before purchasing a house in Urunga next to the beach. We found we spent more time at the beach and the houses were a little cheaper on the coast.
Thoughts of home (yes Ipswich will always be home) creep in every now and then and I have internal battles of whether we should all move back to Qld. But when it's summer and the sun is shining off the water and the surf is pounding - I don't think I can leave!
Miss A and I on that weekend 5 years ago - our first taste of a Bellingen sunset at Bellingen Valley Lodge
I have been allocated a table up in the busy area of the main street to promote library services. I will be focusing on our online services such as Zinio eMagazines, OneClickDigital eAudio Books, online databases and online computer learning.
While that is exciting, today (well it probably wasn't exactly on this date) marks 5 years since we visited Bellingen for the first time.
I had a telephone interview for my current position and they had invited me to Grafton to meet face to face. So regardless of whether I got the job or not, I booked us in to the Bellingen Valley Lodge to stay one night - I had to work on the Sunday.
Surprisingly I got offered the job - I didn't accept straight away. So in a surreal haze we drove from Grafton to Bellingen thinking the whole time that this was going to be our new home.
We had never been to Bellingen before. We had many long weekends at Iluka, we even had our honeymoon there and I had always thought it would be good to work in a library down this way.
Bellingen was like stepping into the twilight zone - well coming from Goodna in Ipswich Qld it was.
The street was alive that Friday night before Crazy Market Day. It was green (a change from the brown we'd become used to in Qld due to a 10 year drought). And there was a quirkiness to the town.
Now here we are. I can't say that I feel like a local yet, but at the same time I think I may just be a little quirky too so perhaps I do fit in here.
We lived in Bellingen for a year before purchasing a house in Urunga next to the beach. We found we spent more time at the beach and the houses were a little cheaper on the coast.
Thoughts of home (yes Ipswich will always be home) creep in every now and then and I have internal battles of whether we should all move back to Qld. But when it's summer and the sun is shining off the water and the surf is pounding - I don't think I can leave!
Miss A and I on that weekend 5 years ago - our first taste of a Bellingen sunset at Bellingen Valley Lodge
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
#blogjune Post 13 - Cataloguing Decisions
I have just realised that yesterday's post was post 12 not 11 - that's how rushed I was.
Now on to the cataloguing query/decision.
I have not done cataloguing since 2005 when I was working in an academic library and took part in a secondment to the cataloguing area of the library. I did a lot of secondments during that time, trying to get a "big picture" view of how the whole library worked and also make a decision as to what library work excited me the most. But that is another story.
Recently, one of our borrowers brought to my attention that a particular fiction author in our library had been catalogued with two different call numbers. One used the first three letters of their surname and one used the first three letters of the first name.
At first I thought it was a simple error that could be fixed but then I did a bit more investigating and found that on Trove the call number results were mixed - half the libraries had used surname and half had used first name.
Adding to the confusion is that this author is foreign, but clearly on the actual physical item it is clear which name they use as their first and surname.
I must admit my cataloguing knowledge is pretty clunky, so I don't feel comfortable making a comment either way.
However, it brings to light an interesting situation - if half the libraries are doing something one way and the other half are doing then another - which way is right?
I would think that at times it's a matter of looking at your own library's collection and cataloguing the book so that all books by that author are found in the same place. But when it comes to correct names - who is right?
I'm sure there are some cataloguers out there that are itching to know who the author is and perhaps even provide me with the answer.
Our own cataloguer has said they will change it so all the books by this author will be found in the one spot, but the borrower is unhappy with the choice as to which name to use.
So the author is Arnaldur Indridason - so cataloguers out there feel free to make comment.
Now on to the cataloguing query/decision.
I have not done cataloguing since 2005 when I was working in an academic library and took part in a secondment to the cataloguing area of the library. I did a lot of secondments during that time, trying to get a "big picture" view of how the whole library worked and also make a decision as to what library work excited me the most. But that is another story.
Recently, one of our borrowers brought to my attention that a particular fiction author in our library had been catalogued with two different call numbers. One used the first three letters of their surname and one used the first three letters of the first name.
At first I thought it was a simple error that could be fixed but then I did a bit more investigating and found that on Trove the call number results were mixed - half the libraries had used surname and half had used first name.
Adding to the confusion is that this author is foreign, but clearly on the actual physical item it is clear which name they use as their first and surname.
I must admit my cataloguing knowledge is pretty clunky, so I don't feel comfortable making a comment either way.
However, it brings to light an interesting situation - if half the libraries are doing something one way and the other half are doing then another - which way is right?
I would think that at times it's a matter of looking at your own library's collection and cataloguing the book so that all books by that author are found in the same place. But when it comes to correct names - who is right?
I'm sure there are some cataloguers out there that are itching to know who the author is and perhaps even provide me with the answer.
Our own cataloguer has said they will change it so all the books by this author will be found in the one spot, but the borrower is unhappy with the choice as to which name to use.
So the author is Arnaldur Indridason - so cataloguers out there feel free to make comment.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
#blogjune Post 11 - It Starts with an 'S'
I'm a bit short on time today and after bootcamp and 55 burpees and 55 jumping squates and goodness knows how many pushups and sit ups - I can barely get my hands to type. So I'm falling back on the Monday Meme that @FiFYI shared.
All answers must begin with the first letter of your name
1. What is your name? Sharon
2. A four-letter word: Ship (you know the word I was thinking and I was saying it a lot this morning during bootcamp - see above as to why)
3. A vehicle: Suzuki
4. A city: Sydney
5. A boy’s name (other than your own): Steven (I think I was going to be named that if I was a boy)
6. A girl’s name (other than your own): Shelley (for killing us at bootcamp this morning)
7. Alcoholic drink: Slippery Nipple (never actually had one)
8. An occupation: Signwritter
9. Something you wear: singlet
10. A celebrity: Shania Twain
11. A food: sausage
12. Something found in a bathroom: scales
13. Reason for being late: slow
14. Something you shout: Super (now I'm sure you thought it was that other 4 letter word - only sometimes)
15. An animal: Snake
16. A body part: shoulder
Now tomorrow I'll have a question for the cataloguers out there - I would've had it this morning but I can't think of the author's name so will have to write it down when I get to work.
Have a great day!
All answers must begin with the first letter of your name
1. What is your name? Sharon
2. A four-letter word: Ship (you know the word I was thinking and I was saying it a lot this morning during bootcamp - see above as to why)
3. A vehicle: Suzuki
4. A city: Sydney
5. A boy’s name (other than your own): Steven (I think I was going to be named that if I was a boy)
6. A girl’s name (other than your own): Shelley (for killing us at bootcamp this morning)
7. Alcoholic drink: Slippery Nipple (never actually had one)
8. An occupation: Signwritter
9. Something you wear: singlet
10. A celebrity: Shania Twain
11. A food: sausage
12. Something found in a bathroom: scales
13. Reason for being late: slow
14. Something you shout: Super (now I'm sure you thought it was that other 4 letter word - only sometimes)
15. An animal: Snake
16. A body part: shoulder
Now tomorrow I'll have a question for the cataloguers out there - I would've had it this morning but I can't think of the author's name so will have to write it down when I get to work.
Have a great day!
Monday, June 10, 2013
#blogjune Post 11 - My First Library Job
A few of the other #blogjune participants have posted about their first library job:
My first ever library job was as a library monitor in my primary school library. The librarian let me stamp the books that the other students were taking out and put spine labels on the books. I even got to shelve the picture books and fiction books.
My library monitor position continued into high school where I was allowed to cover the books. This was in exchange for getting first pick at the new fiction that came into the library - I thought this was a pretty good deal.
My previous post, Once upon a time, shares more about my journey into libraries for those interested.
Upon leaving high school in 1994, I began my Associate Diploma of Applied Science (Library Technician Studies) at Southbank TAFE Morningside Campus in 1995. It was through the work experience component of this course that I got my first job as a casual library assistant at my local public library.
Most of the work was on weekends and involved circulation and shelving. I was very shy back then and remember being extremely nervous serving customers so would often negotiate with the other staff so I could spend most of the time shelving.
The casuals in the weekend shift pretty much stayed the same for the year and half that I worked there before moving on to my other jobs. I still stay in touch with some of them who are still working in the same library.
I also picked up another casual position through work experience and found myself with two casual jobs in 1996 - the public library position and a casual technician role at the local TAFE library.
I didn't have a license or car at the time so I remember lots of train trips and the odd time of my dad picking me up or dropping me off if my shift started outside of train timetable times. Waiting times for weekend trains were very long and I spent a lot of time reading or studying.
Both of these positions provided me with a good base to land my first full time position 800km from home at a TAFE in Central Qld. It was this role that brought me out of my shell. And it wasn't really the job that did that, more the fact that I was a long way from home and I didn't know anyone.
I recommend starting fresh in a place where no one knows you as a way of breaking down any shyness you may have and allowing you to learn some great life lessons.
While the job allowed me to develop my skills and build up experience, it was more the fact that I was a long way from home, in a rural area and didn't know anyone that built up the skills I use today in libraries. Being forthcoming in introducing myself; being able to jump out of my comfort zone when needed; and being able to work in a place where there is limited resources. These skills and experiences are what I have fallen back on constantly throughout my career.
What skills and experiences have you learnt over the years that continue to assist you today?
My first ever library job was as a library monitor in my primary school library. The librarian let me stamp the books that the other students were taking out and put spine labels on the books. I even got to shelve the picture books and fiction books.
My library monitor position continued into high school where I was allowed to cover the books. This was in exchange for getting first pick at the new fiction that came into the library - I thought this was a pretty good deal.
My previous post, Once upon a time, shares more about my journey into libraries for those interested.
Upon leaving high school in 1994, I began my Associate Diploma of Applied Science (Library Technician Studies) at Southbank TAFE Morningside Campus in 1995. It was through the work experience component of this course that I got my first job as a casual library assistant at my local public library.
Most of the work was on weekends and involved circulation and shelving. I was very shy back then and remember being extremely nervous serving customers so would often negotiate with the other staff so I could spend most of the time shelving.
The casuals in the weekend shift pretty much stayed the same for the year and half that I worked there before moving on to my other jobs. I still stay in touch with some of them who are still working in the same library.
I also picked up another casual position through work experience and found myself with two casual jobs in 1996 - the public library position and a casual technician role at the local TAFE library.
I didn't have a license or car at the time so I remember lots of train trips and the odd time of my dad picking me up or dropping me off if my shift started outside of train timetable times. Waiting times for weekend trains were very long and I spent a lot of time reading or studying.
Both of these positions provided me with a good base to land my first full time position 800km from home at a TAFE in Central Qld. It was this role that brought me out of my shell. And it wasn't really the job that did that, more the fact that I was a long way from home and I didn't know anyone.
I recommend starting fresh in a place where no one knows you as a way of breaking down any shyness you may have and allowing you to learn some great life lessons.
While the job allowed me to develop my skills and build up experience, it was more the fact that I was a long way from home, in a rural area and didn't know anyone that built up the skills I use today in libraries. Being forthcoming in introducing myself; being able to jump out of my comfort zone when needed; and being able to work in a place where there is limited resources. These skills and experiences are what I have fallen back on constantly throughout my career.
What skills and experiences have you learnt over the years that continue to assist you today?
Sunday, June 9, 2013
#blogjune - Post 10 - Exercise vs Career - Fear of Failure
I did it!! I ran/jogged 8.5km this morning!! It is a public holiday and I got up at 5.15am to meet 5 other ladies to run at 6am. The ladies I ran with are training for a 42km marathon and I ran 8.5km with them and did not lag behind like I thought I would - such an achievement for me!!
So then I started thinking about the links between exercise/training and professional development.
For a long time I have been doing some form of exercise everyday - walking mainly - but at times it was aerobics, swimming, bike riding but always the base of walking.
I like chocolate and I'm not a slim person so exercise is my way of justifying the 100g of M&M's I have every night.
However, since going to bootcamp I often get asked what am I trying achieve? Do I have a goal or goals?
I usually provide a very vague answer about wanting to get fitter, being able to eat chocolate without guilt and losing a couple of kilo's. Nothing definite.
You see, I'm not very good at setting goals because of fear of not reaching them - failure!! So I set vague targets so if I don't meet them I won't be disappointed.
Unfortunately, I feel I'm the same when it comes to career goals. If someone asks me, where do you want to be in 5 years? I'll most likely answer - employed! Which probably isn't such a silly answer with the changes coming up in NSW local government. But what do I want to achieve in the next 5 years - career wise?!? Well, I have never really thought about it because I don't want to set something and not get there - fail!
When I was at school it was easy - you got marks/grades for work. You knew how you were achieving and you could set yourself goals. Although I was the same in school - while I always wanted to get high achievements - I would convince myself to be happy with a high so that I wasn't disappointed if I didn't get there.
When I first started work, it was hard to know where I was and what I wanted to achieve. There was no benchmark - no goals - no grading. So I said, I want a full time job. Then when I got the full time job, it took me a while, but then it was that I wanted to move up a grade and so on.
Then it was, well I want to get my librarian qualifications - and yes I convinced myself to be happy with a pass so I wouldn't get disappointed if I didn't get a distinction. I really wanted a distinction but didn't want to fail!
Then it was, I want a librarian position, then a supervisory position and so on. But there was always the fall back - it's ok if I don't get there because I'll be happy with ...... so I wouldn't feel a failure!
Now back to exercise. I have recently taken up running again and have set myself little hurdles - like I described in my previous post - I will run to that point, then to the next point and so on. So why is it so easy to do this with running but not with my career?? 8.5km is not that far, but prior to running it I had convinced myself that I'd probably lag behind and finish a long time after everyone else - I set myself up so I wouldn't feel disappointed if I didn't finish - so I wouldn't fail!
I'd really like to change my way of thinking and really set myself some goals without thinking about failure. Because I think if I did this, I'd feel better about myself and feel the sense of achievement (like I am feeling this morning) more often and that will keep me moving forward.
How do you set goals? Do you fear failure? Is fear holding you back?
So then I started thinking about the links between exercise/training and professional development.
For a long time I have been doing some form of exercise everyday - walking mainly - but at times it was aerobics, swimming, bike riding but always the base of walking.
I like chocolate and I'm not a slim person so exercise is my way of justifying the 100g of M&M's I have every night.
However, since going to bootcamp I often get asked what am I trying achieve? Do I have a goal or goals?
I usually provide a very vague answer about wanting to get fitter, being able to eat chocolate without guilt and losing a couple of kilo's. Nothing definite.
You see, I'm not very good at setting goals because of fear of not reaching them - failure!! So I set vague targets so if I don't meet them I won't be disappointed.
Unfortunately, I feel I'm the same when it comes to career goals. If someone asks me, where do you want to be in 5 years? I'll most likely answer - employed! Which probably isn't such a silly answer with the changes coming up in NSW local government. But what do I want to achieve in the next 5 years - career wise?!? Well, I have never really thought about it because I don't want to set something and not get there - fail!
When I was at school it was easy - you got marks/grades for work. You knew how you were achieving and you could set yourself goals. Although I was the same in school - while I always wanted to get high achievements - I would convince myself to be happy with a high so that I wasn't disappointed if I didn't get there.
When I first started work, it was hard to know where I was and what I wanted to achieve. There was no benchmark - no goals - no grading. So I said, I want a full time job. Then when I got the full time job, it took me a while, but then it was that I wanted to move up a grade and so on.
Then it was, well I want to get my librarian qualifications - and yes I convinced myself to be happy with a pass so I wouldn't get disappointed if I didn't get a distinction. I really wanted a distinction but didn't want to fail!
Then it was, I want a librarian position, then a supervisory position and so on. But there was always the fall back - it's ok if I don't get there because I'll be happy with ...... so I wouldn't feel a failure!
Now back to exercise. I have recently taken up running again and have set myself little hurdles - like I described in my previous post - I will run to that point, then to the next point and so on. So why is it so easy to do this with running but not with my career?? 8.5km is not that far, but prior to running it I had convinced myself that I'd probably lag behind and finish a long time after everyone else - I set myself up so I wouldn't feel disappointed if I didn't finish - so I wouldn't fail!
I'd really like to change my way of thinking and really set myself some goals without thinking about failure. Because I think if I did this, I'd feel better about myself and feel the sense of achievement (like I am feeling this morning) more often and that will keep me moving forward.
How do you set goals? Do you fear failure? Is fear holding you back?
Saturday, June 8, 2013
#blogjune Post 9 - How Young is Too Young for Technology?
I was secretly hoping that someone participating in #blogjune had come up with a meme for me to do today that didn't require much thinking. I'm not in a thinking or reflective mood this morning and it is nothing to do with the fact that I drank some pink bubbly stuff last night and sang my lungs out!!
Miss A is having a friend over and they will be arriving soon so this will be a slightly rushed post.
My library service recently purchased some iPads with some left over grant funding for our junior collection with the plan to use the iPads in storytime sessions.
My friend, @shewgirl has been using iPads in storytime at her library service and we thought it might be something worth trying in our library service.
However, my new trainee, who is 19 years old, said to me the other day that she is not comfortable using iPads at storytime and thinks it's wrong to have babies (the majority of our storytime attendees are under 3 so we do more rhyme time then storytime) playing with technology.
Admittedly, we are yet to put together a program or have staff training in this area so she may be jumping to conclusions. But then I thought about when I introduced technology to Miss A.
We did have some fun button pressing toys that had lights and music and sounds but nothing like an iPad. It is only in the last 2 years (when she turned 6 years old) that we've let her go on the computer and play online games. And since I brought home the work iPad she has been hooked on Minecraft and another game which I had never seen before. She now wants us to buy an iPad - that's another story!!
So while I can see the benefit of introducing iPads as another learning tool for babies and toddlers - should we be introducing such technology at this age? Or is this technology preparing them for how they will be learning in the future?
Miss A is having a friend over and they will be arriving soon so this will be a slightly rushed post.
My library service recently purchased some iPads with some left over grant funding for our junior collection with the plan to use the iPads in storytime sessions.
My friend, @shewgirl has been using iPads in storytime at her library service and we thought it might be something worth trying in our library service.
However, my new trainee, who is 19 years old, said to me the other day that she is not comfortable using iPads at storytime and thinks it's wrong to have babies (the majority of our storytime attendees are under 3 so we do more rhyme time then storytime) playing with technology.
Admittedly, we are yet to put together a program or have staff training in this area so she may be jumping to conclusions. But then I thought about when I introduced technology to Miss A.
We did have some fun button pressing toys that had lights and music and sounds but nothing like an iPad. It is only in the last 2 years (when she turned 6 years old) that we've let her go on the computer and play online games. And since I brought home the work iPad she has been hooked on Minecraft and another game which I had never seen before. She now wants us to buy an iPad - that's another story!!
So while I can see the benefit of introducing iPads as another learning tool for babies and toddlers - should we be introducing such technology at this age? Or is this technology preparing them for how they will be learning in the future?
Friday, June 7, 2013
#blogjune Post 8 - #anz23mthings Thing 5 Photos + Maps
I feel like the kid who hasn't done their homework.
I honestly have not had a chance to discover much for the #anz23mthings thing 5 this week. My lack of "good" smartphone means I have to rely on my work tablet to carry out my investigation and play of each "thing." And apart from having little time to walk around my area during the week, the thought of taking photos with my (larger than a phone) tablet didn't appeal.
So I'm cheating a little and using others blog posts to reflect on thing 5.
@stephmcg shared here knowledge of Historypin and what she found when she played around with it. Like her, I did a search on my shire, and found little content. I agree that it would be dependent on institutions or keen individuals to populate an area of a map. I'm thinking that this would be a really good partnership between my library service and our local historical society. However, since my library service has little in the way of staffing resources, and the local historical society is volunteers that have limited technological skills - it would still take a bit of work to get the project off the ground.
I have been invited to a meeting talking about heritage buildings in our shire this coming week, and I think I may raise Historypin as a possible project for recording our heritage and making it accessible. It will be a start to just put it out there.
@stokesrenee discusses copyright and privacy which are really relevant topics when it comes to putting your photos up on social media.
I really don't think too hard about people knowing where I am at a given time - well I suppose those that say burglars prowl social media sites waiting to know you are out of your home so they can pounce, might be on to something - but I also think it is fun to share where you are, especially if you are visiting an interesting place (although you will note in my previous post, I really don't do Foursquare anymore - possibly because I rarely visit interesting places).
The copyright issue is probably more of a concern because I'm sure our historical society would like to maintain some ownership over the images (although many of the images aren't owned by them but the photographer who took them).
So while I didn't play around with Historypin, I did read and think about how it can be used.
I'll keep you posted on the possible library partnership with the historical society.
I honestly have not had a chance to discover much for the #anz23mthings thing 5 this week. My lack of "good" smartphone means I have to rely on my work tablet to carry out my investigation and play of each "thing." And apart from having little time to walk around my area during the week, the thought of taking photos with my (larger than a phone) tablet didn't appeal.
So I'm cheating a little and using others blog posts to reflect on thing 5.
@stephmcg shared here knowledge of Historypin and what she found when she played around with it. Like her, I did a search on my shire, and found little content. I agree that it would be dependent on institutions or keen individuals to populate an area of a map. I'm thinking that this would be a really good partnership between my library service and our local historical society. However, since my library service has little in the way of staffing resources, and the local historical society is volunteers that have limited technological skills - it would still take a bit of work to get the project off the ground.
I have been invited to a meeting talking about heritage buildings in our shire this coming week, and I think I may raise Historypin as a possible project for recording our heritage and making it accessible. It will be a start to just put it out there.
@stokesrenee discusses copyright and privacy which are really relevant topics when it comes to putting your photos up on social media.
I really don't think too hard about people knowing where I am at a given time - well I suppose those that say burglars prowl social media sites waiting to know you are out of your home so they can pounce, might be on to something - but I also think it is fun to share where you are, especially if you are visiting an interesting place (although you will note in my previous post, I really don't do Foursquare anymore - possibly because I rarely visit interesting places).
The copyright issue is probably more of a concern because I'm sure our historical society would like to maintain some ownership over the images (although many of the images aren't owned by them but the photographer who took them).
So while I didn't play around with Historypin, I did read and think about how it can be used.
I'll keep you posted on the possible library partnership with the historical society.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
#blogjune Post 7 - The Block - Library Style
I have been struck by lightning!! Well ok, I've just had a brilliant idea - which probably means someone has already thought of this.
I wish there was a reality TV show where a group of professional library interior designers come to your library and give it a makeover!!!
And why am I wishing this?? Well, I have some branch libraries that need a revamp and I have a fear of moving things. This may have been a result of growing up in a house that had furniture changes almost daily - no offence, Mum but I think we may have had at least 2-3 different beds in our bedrooms each year. And the room would be re-arranged just as many times, if not more.
I hate moving furniture!!
So what better idea then to have someone come in and do it for me!!
I could do an audition tape crying about the state of my library branches and how I don't know where to start. I have limited funding and staffing resources.
Cue, "The Block" style team but they are made up of library interior designers, or just librarians who have a flair for knowing how to re-arrange furniture to give the library branch a lift!
It can all be filmed to add to the drama - oh no, what to do when moving the shelves and they fall apart?? What about that huge rat that came out from behind the bookcase that hasn't been moved for the last 20 years?? But alas, all is almost lost when they move shelves around, only to find that particular collection won't fit??
Ok, I need to work on my drama, comedy act - but you get the picture!!
Anyone out there who has a flair for looking at a library and knowing how to vamp it up - how 'bout a holiday on the Mid-North Coast of NSW?!?! I may not be able to pay you, but having a "holiday" here is worth it!!
I wish there was a reality TV show where a group of professional library interior designers come to your library and give it a makeover!!!
And why am I wishing this?? Well, I have some branch libraries that need a revamp and I have a fear of moving things. This may have been a result of growing up in a house that had furniture changes almost daily - no offence, Mum but I think we may have had at least 2-3 different beds in our bedrooms each year. And the room would be re-arranged just as many times, if not more.
I hate moving furniture!!
So what better idea then to have someone come in and do it for me!!
I could do an audition tape crying about the state of my library branches and how I don't know where to start. I have limited funding and staffing resources.
Cue, "The Block" style team but they are made up of library interior designers, or just librarians who have a flair for knowing how to re-arrange furniture to give the library branch a lift!
It can all be filmed to add to the drama - oh no, what to do when moving the shelves and they fall apart?? What about that huge rat that came out from behind the bookcase that hasn't been moved for the last 20 years?? But alas, all is almost lost when they move shelves around, only to find that particular collection won't fit??
Ok, I need to work on my drama, comedy act - but you get the picture!!
Anyone out there who has a flair for looking at a library and knowing how to vamp it up - how 'bout a holiday on the Mid-North Coast of NSW?!?! I may not be able to pay you, but having a "holiday" here is worth it!!
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